Proteas team coach Shukri Conrad commented on the decision to exclude Duold Brevis from the squad that will participate in the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
According to Conrad, Duold Brevis will get an opportunity to fight for a spot in the Proteas squad for next year's ODI World Cup. Although Brevis, who is 23 years old, became one of the top run-scorers in the recently concluded T20I triseries in Windhoek, this was not enough to make the Proteas squad for the matches against Australia, which is almost fully formed.
The young player has only played nine ODI matches, scoring just one half-century, and his average stands at a modest 28.75. Nevertheless, next week he will feature in three matches against Namibia in Windhoek, where he will try to improve his performance in the longer white-ball format.
The middle order spots in the Proteas ODI lineup are currently occupied by experienced players David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Matthew Breitzke, whose averages are 43.20, 30.15, and 64.18 respectively. Another option in the middle order is the left-hander from the Western Province, Tony de Zorzi, whose ODI average is 37.10.
Conrad noted that Brevis is competing for a spot in the middle order, where he is contending with Matthew Breitzke, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller. He also mentioned that before the game against England, the team will play six ODI matches, and the squad for the match against England will be considered a reserve for the World Cup.
The coach stated that Duold will definitely get a chance during the Bangladesh series, as will some other players. This will allow him to get a good idea of what the starting lineup for the team will be for the series against England. The main goal is to ensure a fair chance for all players.
The South African men's team squad was announced today, featuring 16 players for the three-match Dafabet One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, which will take place from September 24 to 30. Temba Bavuma will lead the team.
Conrad also confirmed that after returning from Windhoek, Brevis will play first-class CSA cricket as part of preparations for the Test series against Australia. He explained that everyone not in the main squad or A team will play in the first round of first-class cricket, and everyone not in the ODI squad, including Duold, will play in the second round. The aim is for players to prepare for the Test series and simply get accustomed to first-class cricket.
Proteas will not be in the starting XI for the first match against the Australians in Kingsmead, Durban, on September 24th Heritage Day, due to the absence of T20I captain Aiden Markram. However, he will return for the remaining two matches in Johannesburg (September 27) and Port Elizabeth (September 30).
Conrad explained that this is also part of his long-term planning for the World Cup. He reiterated that they will have six ODI matches before the game against England, and he believes England will likely be the reserve team for the World Cup. He emphasized that they will be closer to the World Cup squad, and this is part of ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. In particular, he mentioned that they have three or four players vying for two spots in the top order (Quinney, Ricks, Aiden, and Tony), but Ricks and Tony can offer options slightly lower down.