Allan Donald hails a clone of AB de Villiers

Allan Donald praised Dewald Brevis for resembling AB de Villiers while noting his unique identity as a batter. Known as Baby AB, Brevis made an impact with a record-breaking 125 off 56 balls against Australia in Darwin last month.

At just 22, Brevis showcased his ability to challenge top bowlers, with over 2,500 T20 runs at a strike rate of 150+ and four first-class centuries. While comparisons to de Villiers are natural, Donald stressed that AB’s achievements remain unmatched.

What excites Donald most about Brevis is his bold, fearless style and his ability to turn games in South Africa’s favour, making him one of the country’s most exciting young batting prospects.

“He shares a close bond with AB de Villiers and has been mentored by him, so it’s natural to see some similarities. However, many argue that comparing Dewald Brevis to AB isn’t fair, and that’s true. What AB has accomplished belongs to him. But this young talent can turn a game around single-handedly,” he said.

“He’s already proven himself on the domestic stage, and now, on the biggest platform, he’s scored a century against a high-quality Australian team. His talent and execution are unquestionable,” Donald added.

Donald lauded Brevis for mirroring AB de Villiers’ mannerisms so closely, calling him a unique player with abilities most batters can’t match. He believes Brevis has the potential to become a superstar, especially in white-ball cricket, while his passion for Test cricket will also shape his future across formats.

“There’s only ever going to be one AB, but Brevis replicates his mannerisms so perfectly, it almost feels like watching a clone. Having a hero like AB is a great source of inspiration. Brevis possesses skills that most batters can’t match. He is that special,” Donald mentioned.

“As time goes on, we’ll see how he evolves in different formats. He’s eager to play Test cricket and has the potential to become an absolute superstar in white-ball cricket. There’s no question about it,” Donald concluded.