Kevin Pietersen hails England youngster "not afraid to take a risk"

27 January 2023 , 14:27

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Kevin Pietersen spoke to England's batters ahead of their first ODI against South Africa (Image: Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has been impressed by Will Jacks' performances for Pretoria Capitals in the SA20.

Jacks, who made both his T20I and Test debuts for England last year, is currently the third leading run scorer in the competition behind Jos Buttler and Faf du Plessis. The 24-year-old has smashed 270 runs at an average of 38.57 and a strike rate of 201.49 in seven innings, scoring quicker than anyone else at the tournament.

Jacks is also a more than useful off spinner, having picked up a five wicket haul on his Test debut in December, and could find himself in contention for England's 50-over World Cup defence in India later this year.

And Pietersen is a big fan of the all-rounder, saying in his latest Betway column: "Will Jacks looks like a very, very good player. He hits the ball nicely in conventional areas.

"He's not afraid to take a risk. He is the third top run-scorer, hits at the best strike-rate and is by far the top six-hitter at this tournament.

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"He can bowl and he also took a spectacular catch, the type that will raise the profile of the tournament because it goes viral on social media. These English guys have been built for T20 cricket, they practice for it, and they have long futures – and are going to make a lot of money – in the game.

"Some of these guys, like Jacks, aren't even getting in England's first-choice white-ball squads, which just shows the depth of talent they have now. It's an exciting time."

Will Jacks, who made both his T20I and Test debuts for England last year, has impressed Pietersen in the SA20 (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Pietersen also believes the SA20 itself can revitalise cricket in South Africa, having attracted big crowds and showcased some of the country's most impressive young talents. "Growing up as a kid, we used to go to cricket in South Africa and the ground was full, the atmosphere was spectacular," he said.

"That's exactly what we're now seeing during the SA20. It's so refreshing that South Africa cricket has got itself back to where it was 20 or 30 years ago. I'm loving the fact that there's such wonderful support for this tournament.

"There's an energy and a buzz in the country, people are talking about cricket. Most importantly, the product is good. We know that T20 cricket is a great game, and the players are producing world-class sport. It's delivering some exciting games as well, so it's been amazing."

Check out the latest SA20 odds with Betway

Matthew Cooper