3 Key things Dewald Brevis should add to his game to become a complete Test batter

Dewald Brevis fifty vs Pakistan - (Source: AFP)

In the recently 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan registered a 93-run win as Shan Masood-led side now have started the new WTC cycle on a high. The only hope for the Proteas was Dewald Brevis, who played a quickfire fifty-run knock.

Notably, South Africa, chasing a total of 277 runs, lost four early wickets, but Brevis took matters into his own hands and came down heavy against Pakistan's best bowler, Nauman Ali. Brevis scored run-a-ball 54, which featured six fours and two sixes to take his team close to the target. However, the youngster failed to stay until the end and get the job done. 

The internet hailed Brevis for his brilliant knock, but also criticised him for not staying till the end. Meanwhile, this article will shed light on three things that Dewald should add to his Test game to emerge as a complete batter.

1.Balanced Aggression

By default, Brevis is an aggressive batter. He likes to attack from the word go. However, a balanced aggression is the need of the hour, and the right-handed batter needs to make himself understand that he does not need to start hitting the ball from the first delivery itself.

If we look at Brevis' first five Test innings, then twice he has failed to reach the double-figure mark, which is because of his temptation to go after the bowler.

The idea to attack is appreciated, but not to respect the good balls and adopt a T20 cricket approach on every delivery is something that Brevis still needs to work on.

Let's look at Brevis's strike-rate in his five-innings

2. Converting good starts to big scores

Out of the five Test innings, Brevis has already scored two fifty-plus scores, but has yet to score his maiden Test hundred. In his debut innings, Brevis scored 51 (44) against Zimbabwe, but threw his wicket away and missed an opportunity to reach the three-figure mark.

Even in the ongoing match against Pakistan, Dewald Brevis was going well and was on course to seal a much-needed win for his side, but again fell in his fifties and scored a run-a-ball fifty.

Thus, Brevis, going forward, need to convert those fifties into hundreds and can look to take inspiration from Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has a great conversion rate and makes sure to score daddy hundreds. 

3. Constant strike-rotation

One more aspect that Brevis needs to add to his game is rotating the strike. Brevis has the game to hit big and also defend the ball, but he also needs to tick the scoreboard by taking singles and doubles, which is a must in Test cricket.

Brevis needs to learn from veterans and his role model AB de Villiers, who had a similar game, but also rotated the crease well.

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