2020 U-19 World Cup: Five potential future stars to watch out for

#4 Jonathan Bird

Jonathan Bird would have to consistently perform for a South African team that is really short of confidence

A player from the host country need not be a mandatory pick but Jonathan Bird walks into this list on the basis of his consistent efforts. Even though South Africa have been in poor form, Bird has come across as a ray of light amidst poor team performances.

After topping the charts with 356 runs from six matches even as South Africa lost with a disappointing 7-0 margin against Pakistan last year, Bird continued his impressive form in the recent bilateral series against India. Yet again, South Africa lost the series 2-1 but the southpaw was in top form to score 129 runs in three matches. He also played a crucial role with his unbeaten 88-run knock when South Africa beat India in the final Youth ODI.

The 18-year-old hit the ground running straightaway against Sri Lanka in a warm-up match by scoring 71 runs to signal the kind of form he is in currently.

When Bird's consistent run-scoring is in itself invaluable for South Africa U-19 team, he also provides some bowling variety with his left-arm wrist spin which could turn out to be a bonus for the young Proteas outfit.