5 new batting stars who could shine in 2019

#1 Theunis de Bruyn

Theunis de Bruyn is a very bright prospect for South Africa

While the South African team endured a miserable experience in the Test series in Sri Lanka, there was one bright spot that emerged out of it. It was a brilliant century from Theunis de Bruyn in the second Test at Colombo.

While the rest of the batting line-up crumbled against the Sri Lankan tweakers, de Bruyn played an innings oozing with confidence and maturity. Apart from the execution of some wonderful shots, what made his knock impressive was the way he trusted his defence and never lost his nerve.

A tall batsman, de Bruyn has something of Kevin Pietersen in him. He showed that his unquestionable talent is also supplemented by a very strong mind. Though that hundred remains his only 50+ score at the international level in 16 innings, South Africa have clearly identified a great prospect.

With AB de Villiers out of the team, there is an urgent need in the Proteas Test side for a capable middle-order batsman. De Bruyn clearly possesses the potential to occupy that spot. His positive stroke-play would make him bloom at the highest level if only he can become more consistent.

In 2019, he certainly will have many opportunities to do that. With his ability, he may well emerge as the new South African batting star.