Photo via Hindustan Times

Former South Africa captain Neil Brand punishes the Australians and says, ‘I’m in a better space now’

Former South African Test skipper Neil Brand showcased his batting prowess by hammering 152 runs from only 174 deliveries while turning out for the Cricket South Africa Invitation XI against Australia. Brand dispatched sixteen boundaries and five maximums during his rapid knock, successfully negotiating deliveries from an Australian bowling attack that featured Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

Reflecting on his performance, the left-hander expressed gratitude for the chance to compete against childhood heroes like Steve Smith, who notably gave him a reprieve when dropping a catch at mid-wicket while Brand was on 66.

Brand's strong display signals a personal turnaround following a difficult stint leading a depleted South African squad through a two-Test series in New Zealand back in 2024, where he managed just 66 runs across four innings. He admitted that the taxing assignment and subsequent disappointment weighed heavily on him for quite some time, but hard work over the winter months has left him feeling mentally rejuvenated and batting better than before.

The opening Test between South Africa and Australia is scheduled to commence on October 9 at Kingsmead.

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