New Zealand’s Bevon Jacobs may debut against his birth country
The saga of New Zealand cricketers born in South Africa wearing the Blackcaps is likely to continue. Bevon Jacobs, a hard-hitting six-footer, has been named in the New Zealand squad for the T20 tri-series in Zimbabwe, which will also feature South Africa as the third team. Jacobs could make his international debut against the country of his birth, a scenario that has become all too familiar for fans of the Kiwis.
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Jacobs moved to New Zealand at the age of 11 and has since represented the country at various youth levels. His impressive performances in domestic cricket have finally earned him a call-up to the senior squad, and he is set to face the Proteas in the T20 tri-series.
Jacobs’ journey to the top is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He scored over 500 runs in the Plunket Shield, New Zealand’s domestic first-class competition, last season, including a century against Wellington. His ability to clear the ropes with ease has made him a valuable asset to the Wellington Firebirds, the team he plays for in the Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s domestic one-day competition.
The 26-year-old all-rounder, who can bowl medium pace as well, has been touted as a potential game-changer for the Blackcaps. His aggressive style of play, which has been evident in his domestic performances, is likely to cause problems for the South African bowling attack.
Jacobs’ inclusion in the squad is a significant boost for the Blackcaps, who are looking to build momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup later this year. The team has been plagued by injuries to key players, including Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill, and Jacobs’ inclusion adds depth to the batting lineup.
The prospect of Jacobs making his debut against South Africa is an intriguing one. It will be a unique experience for him, playing against the country where he was born and grew up watching cricket. However, Jacobs is not expected to be overawed by the occasion. Having played against South African players in domestic cricket, he is familiar with the threat they pose and is confident of handling the pressure.
The T20 tri-series is an important tournament for the Blackcaps, who are looking to fine-tune their skills ahead of the T20 World Cup. The team has been in decent form recently, winning the T20 series against Pakistan and the ODI series against Sri Lanka. However, they will face a stern test against South Africa, who are one of the top-ranked teams in the world.
The series will also provide an opportunity for the Blackcaps to experiment with their squad and try out new combinations. With injuries to key players, the team needs to build depth and find new heroes who can deliver under pressure. Jacobs’ inclusion in the squad is a step in the right direction, and he is likely to be given a chance to showcase his skills in the series.
In conclusion, Bevon Jacobs’ inclusion in the New Zealand squad for the T20 tri-series is a significant development for the team. His ability to hit the ball hard and bowl medium pace makes him a valuable asset, and he is likely to cause problems for the South African bowling attack. The prospect of him making his debut against the country of his birth is an intriguing one, and fans of the Blackcaps will be eagerly waiting to see how he fares in the series.
