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.
Jacobs, 25, was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, but moved to New Zealand with his family at a young age. He has since represented New Zealand’s age-group teams and has been a regular feature in the domestic circuit for the Auckland Aces. His impressive form in the recent Super Smash tournament, where he scored 272 runs at an average of 34, has caught the attention of the selectors.
The T20 tri-series, which begins on July 1, will be a significant opportunity for Jacobs to make his mark on the international stage. With the likes of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Tom Latham already established in the top order, Jacobs will have to fight for a spot in the middle order. However, his aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him an exciting prospect for the Blackcaps.
Jacobs’ selection in the squad is a testament to the selectors’ willingness to give opportunities to players with diverse backgrounds. In recent years, New Zealand has had several players born in South Africa, including Colin Munro, Henry Nicholls, and Mitchell Santner, who have all made significant contributions to the team.
The T20 format, with its emphasis on power-hitting and aggressive fielding, could be the perfect platform for Jacobs to announce himself on the international stage. With the likes of South Africa’s pace quartet â Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, and Dale Steyn â expected to feature in the series, the conditions in Zimbabwe will be challenging for the batsmen.
However, Jacobs has shown in the domestic circuit that he is more than capable of handling such conditions. His ability to play shots both on and off the back foot, as well as his willingness to take on the best bowlers, make him a formidable opponent.
The prospect of Jacobs making his debut against his birth country is an intriguing one. It will be a significant moment for him, and he will be keen to make a statement against the team he grew up watching. With the Blackcaps having a strong record against South Africa in T20 cricket, Jacobs will be looking to make a winning start to his international career.
The T20 tri-series will also provide an opportunity for New Zealand to assess its squad depth ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup later this year. With several key players currently out injured, including Ish Sodhi and Scott Kuggeleijn, the series will be a chance for the selectors to blood new talent and assess their options for the world cup.
In conclusion, Bevon Jacobs’ selection in the New Zealand squad for the T20 tri-series is a significant development for the Blackcaps. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the boundary with ease make him an exciting prospect for the team. The prospect of him making his debut against his birth country will be a significant moment for him, and he will be keen to make a statement against South Africa.
