Proteas door still open for Dewald Brevis, says CSA director Enoch Nkwe

Cricket South Africa's director of national teams, Enoch Nkwe, made it clear this week that the 21-year-old prodigy, affectionately dubbed "Baby AB", is still very much in the selectors' sights - contract or no contract.

Brevis' omission from CSA's list of 18 full national contracts (plus two hybrids) raised eyebrows, especially after his standout domestic season. But Nkwe insists the decision is more about timing than talent.

"Two years ago, Dewald got a shot at international cricket. It didn't quite click back then," Nkwe said, referencing Brevis' quiet debut series against Australia in 2023 where he managed just five runs in two T20Is. "But there's no doubt - if he keeps playing like this, he'll be back in the Proteas setup."

And "like this" refers to some serious form.

Brevis was instrumental in MI Cape Town's triumphant SA20 campaign earlier this year, smashing 291 runs at a blistering strike rate of 184.17. He backed that up with consistent performances for the Northerns Titans - scoring 398 runs in the One-Day Cup (average: 66.33) and 547 in the 4-Day Series (average: 49.72). Those aren't just solid numbers - they're the kind that demand attention.

Nkwe praised the youngster's resurgence, saying the Brevis we're seeing now is a more mature, focused version. "It's good to see him hit the reset button and come back strong. Now it's about building towards consistency at the top level," he said.

The message from CSA is clear: perform, and the door stays open.

Next on Brevis' calendar is a stint with the Hampshire Hawks in England's T20 Blast starting May 29 - another big stage, another chance to make a case for his Proteas return.

He may not have the contract yet, but if Dewald Brevis continues on this path, the comeback story could just be getting started.