Upstox Most Valuable Team of the U19 World Cup – Natalie Germanos’ top picks
Here are Natalie’s three picks. Would they also be in your combined XI from the tournament?
Natalie’s top picks – Upstox Most Valuable Team of the U19 World Cup
DEWALD BREVIS – SOUTH AFRICA
18 years old | Right-handed top-order batter | Leg-spin bowler
"I have to start with Dewald Brevis, he’s been absolutely brilliant.
"I’d heard a lot about him coming into the tournament, and seen a little bit of him as well. We all know he looks like AB de Villiers, he plays like him, strokes the ball just like him.
Dewald Brevis – ABD 2.0 | ICC U19 Men’s CWC 2022
"He’s been brilliant through the tournament, whether it be with the ball, in the field, with the bat.
"He’s an absolute star, and for me – no pressure on the youngster – I really feel this is one for the future for South Africa."
VICKY OSTWAL – INDIA
19 years old | Left-arm orthodox spinner
"I was very impressed with Vicky Ostwal from India. A finger-spinner, there's something special with him I think.
"I like his action, tall as well, he’s got a nice release point, obviously he has the variation of being the left-armer as well.
Meeting Vicky Ostwal: India's U19 spin sensation
"I’ve been impressed with how he’s gone about his business for India. Yes, you’d expect him to be a good spinner because of where he comes from and the pitches being good for him and having a lot of experience on those types of surfaces.
"But to come to another country and in a tournament where there’s a lot of pressure, I feel like he’s just conducted himself really nicely.
"He’s got real ability and is a possibility for the future for India."
JACOB BETHELL – ENGLAND
18 years old | Left-handed opening batter | Left-arm orthodox spinner
"Initially I’d heard a lot about Jacob Bethell as well, everybody had said he’s an explosive player, attacking, gets England off to a good start.
"The first couple of games it didn’t really come together for him, despite him making a decent 44, but wasn’t quite what I’d sort of expected.
"But watching him against South Africa, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, yes on a good surface, it didn’t matter. Everything came out of the middle, and it was from ball one.
Jacob Bethell’s fiery 88 | ENG v SA | ICC U19 Men’s CWC 2022
"I find that very exciting, because in the one-day format and the T20 international format, if you’ve got that as an opener, that explosivity, he can take any attack apart and maybe even in any conditions.
"So I find him very exciting and I think for the future if England can find a way to use him in the right way, he’s going to be really destructive."