Share

Levi banks on exuberance

Cape Town - Richard Levi, South Africa’s new kid on the block, hopes his youth and exuberance will stand out during the two-match T20 International series against Australia.

The 23 year-old is set to make his International debut during the series starting on Thursday at Sahara Park Newlands, and is keeping his strategy simple.

“I want to bring out the youth and exuberance that the side has got at the moment,” commented Levi. “I want to put in as much energy and help out as much as I can around me. What is important to the team is a massive culture of helping the guy next to you so I’m looking forward to doing that and putting in as much as I can.” 

The hard-hitting batsman stepped onto the T20 domestic scene in 2008 for the Cape Cobras and also took part in the inaugural CLT20 competition in India in 2009. For him, the Proteas' recognition has been an unexpected surprise but an amazing opportunity.

“It is a great honour to be given the colours and to be playing for the Proteas and if I do get selected to play in the two games it will be an unbelievable experience. The boys have been more than welcoming and have made me feel very happy so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The young nature of the squad is an exciting attribute, and the absence of some senior players has meant that the younger tier has had to step up to the responsibility. According to Lonwabo Tsotsobe, this has been a natural progression because of the support from the senior players.

“It is very easy to step up because you have guys like Morné Morkel and Dale Steyn who are always there to support you and to pick you up,” said Tsotsobe.

"The team has developed this culture of lifting each other up, they want you to be your own leader, you can’t always wait for AB (de Villiers) to tell you something, you must be the leader of your own space.”

Both T20 Internationals at Newlands and the Wanderers have been sold out.
 
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE