FAISALABAD :’South Africa’s injury woes on their tour of Pakistan have deepened, with Cricket South Africa (CSA) naming Rubin Hermann as the replacement for the sidelined batsman Dewald Brevis for the remainder of the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series.
Brevis, the exciting young talent, was ruled out of the series after sustaining a low-grade shoulder muscle strain during the third and final T20 International against Pakistan in Lahore. The injury is a significant blow to the Proteas, who are already trailing 1-0 in the ODI series following a narrow two-wicket loss in the opening match.
The call-up for the 28-year-old Rubin Hermann comes as a reward for his consistent performance in domestic cricket. The uncapped player in the 50-over format boasts an impressive record, having amassed 1,699 runs in 41 List A matches at a robust average of 49.97, including six centuries and six fifties.
Hermann has prior international experience, having represented South Africa in six T20 Internationals, which should assist his transition into the ODI squad. The team felt the absence of a reliable middle-order contributor in the first ODI, and Hermann’s inclusion is expected to provide some much-needed stability and intent.
While Brevis has been ruled out of the ODI fixtures, he will remain with the squad in Pakistan to undergo rehabilitation with the Proteas’ medical team. The primary focus is to ensure the 22-year-old recovers in time for South Africa’s crucial upcoming two-match Test series against India, which is scheduled to commence on November 14.
Brevis’s absence adds to a growing injury list for the touring side, which is also without regular captain Temba Bavuma and pace bowlers Kwena Maphaka and Gerald Coetzee. Additionally, key players like Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada have been rested for the limited-overs leg of the tour, leaving a relatively inexperienced squad under the leadership of Matthew Breetzke.
The second ODI is set to be played today, with South Africa fighting to level the series and push the contest to a decider. All eyes will be on the team sheet to see if Hermann makes his anticipated ODI debut on the international stage.
