The ICC T20 Cricket World Cup is drawing near for the Proteas. The international spectacle is fast approaching, and the national selectors have put together the group of 15 players set to get that maiden set of ICC silverware.
While there weren’t any major surprises, the squad announcement had social media split.
A majority of the online contingent are still calling on the inclusion of Dewald Brevis. Some recognize the class and balance at Mark Boucher’s disposal. But the general consensus is that Temba Bavuma should take a step away from the shortest format of the game, where he has been struggling.
Here’s how social media reacted.
Brevis?
There’s been an outcry to the national selectors to include Dewald Brevis in the Protea set-up since he smashed his way into public consciousness. The teenager was a shining light in the young South African’s dismal campaign at the U19 Cricket World Cup earlier this year, where he broke the record for most runs scored in a single tournament.
When asked about his inclusion ahead of the Proteas T20 series in India in June, Temba Bavuma said that the youngster still needs to cut his teeth in the South African domestic set-up.
Since his 506-run haul at the youth World Cup, Brevis has enjoyed a jet-setting T20 season. He represented the Mumbai Indians in the India Premier League (IPL) and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
While he has only accumulated 52-runs in his sevens times out in the middle, fans have still been crying out for the CSA U19 Player of the Year’s maiden call-up.
Brevis????
— Light Yagami (@LincolnLubisi) September 6, 2022
Why Dewald Brevis is not in the squad? @OfficialCSA
— The Abdul (@AbdulMedellinn) September 7, 2022
Decent squad, I would've loved to see Dewald Brevis included. Also hoping @TembaBavuma takes the team all the way to silence all the haters 🏏 https://t.co/2U9WjUUzkY
— Peter David Cyster (@Peter_C_76) September 6, 2022
Where is Deweld Brevis, I don't understand cricket South Africa really 🏏🤔😒🙄
— Mfundo (@Mfundo59752133) September 6, 2022
Perilous Parnell
A left-arm fast bowler is always a golden addition to any cricket team. Luckily for the Proteas, there are two of these bowling options in their ranks. There is the up-and-coming Marco Jansen, and while he has produced the goods at Test level, limited overs have been a bit of a struggle for the young man, and he missed out on his ticket to Australia.
The other option is Wayne Parnell. A man that has oodles of skill and a wealth of experience.
The 33-year-old boasts impressive stats and can be a menace with the bat.
Congrats @WayneParnell, reward for all the hard work you've put in behind the scenes 👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/9FDvBuFX0S
— David Brooke (@BrookeBack13) September 6, 2022
A richly deserved place…@WayneParnell ❤
— England…🏴 (@Charankohli7) September 6, 2022
Yes boi @WayneParnell !!! https://t.co/vlHKVFqXyv
— Razeen Allie (@razeenallie) September 6, 2022
Not everyone is happy about the move, though.
Can't believe Wayne Parnell made it in the Protea's T20 WC Squad ahead of Andile Phehlukwayo. It's absurd!
— Nom De Plume (@iAmKameel) September 6, 2022
Fractured van der Dussen
There have been times when the Proteas needed some rescuing with the bat. The man to step up and get those runs on the scoreboard, more often than not, has been Rassie van der Dussen. Unfortunately, van der Dussen broke his left index finger during the Proteas’ second Test match against England.
His absence in Australia will be missed.
Good team but I'll miss Rassie, the anchor 💔
— Reviewer #2 Slayer🗡 (@PyrroleSindelo) September 6, 2022
Good team but without Rassie van der Dussen, they are not going to win the World Cup.
— Fred Pohl (@FredPohl1) September 7, 2022
Without Rassie Van der Dussen, this team cannot be fullfilled
— Pradeep J (@Pradeep96848972) September 6, 2022
A resounding no for Bavuma
When captain Temba Bavuma fractured his elbow while batting in the fourth T20 against India in June, it seemed likely that he would miss out on a spot in the Proteas ICC T20 World Cup squad. However, he knew that there might be a shot at recovering in time if he avoided surgery.
It seems like that call paid off, as his ticket to Australia is booked. Unfortunately, not many people are excited by that fact.
Temba Bavuma can't even hit a 6 and he will be opening sanya nkosi yam🤦♂️
— RuffStuff (@Semoola) September 6, 2022
The proteas are so much better off without Temba Bavuma as the captain. Even better without him in the squad.
— #HighOnCricket (@D__cricket) September 6, 2022
The most below par player of this squad is Temba Bavuma..He is little okay in Test and ODI but in T-20 he is not at all suitable..Rassie is far better than any given day.. Anyway,more they weak more benefits for India..
— Dev Tripathi (@iamdebu_champ) September 7, 2022
There are some supporters that are happy to see him return.
Welcome back Skipper, take the lead ❤️🇿🇦. I can smell the victory 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5kYGwr3YHo
— Kwazi Mthembu (@Kwazi_Mthembu01) September 6, 2022
This is a good squad, lead us skipper Temba Bavuma, lead us. https://t.co/KnpUtQem2B
— The Insatiable (@HeIsGeoff) September 6, 2022
Good squad. I just hope that the selectors make the tough call to choose between Temba and Reeza to open the batting. Tough on Reeza but Bavuma is the captain and its the best spot for him in the order. QDK, Temba, Rilee, Markram, Miller, Stubbs!
— Ryan Johnson (@RyanJohnson_007) September 7, 2022
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