South Africa’s cricket team has announced its squad ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, confirming that matches will take place in Dhaka and Chattogram. This announcement follows a security assessment conducted by a South African delegation, which comes in light of the recent political protests in Bangladesh that resulted in over 200 fatalities earlier this year.
The squad sees the return of left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who has been out of the team since March 2023. He will join fellow left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Dane Piedt in what will be a strategically planned bowling lineup.
In terms of pace bowling, the selection committee has opted for only three specialist seamers: Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Dane Paterson. Seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder is also included, which gives the team some flexibility in the bowling department.
Team manager Conrad expressed that he has been in touch with Russell Domingo, a former South African coach who served as the head coach for Bangladesh from 2019 to 2022. According to Conrad, they anticipate fielding a maximum of three seamers in the matches played in Dhaka and Chattogram.
“At this stage, it is likely to be Kagiso, Nandre, and Wiaan as the all-rounder, with Dane Paterson available if conditions are suitable,” Conrad noted. He also mentioned that only two spinners are expected to feature in the starting lineup, emphasizing the importance of Keshav Maharaj’s ability to bowl a significant number of overs.
Lungi Ngidi is the only player dropped from the squad that recently defeated the West Indies 1-0 in a Test series in the Caribbean. Conrad believes that South Africa will need to win five out of their six remaining Tests in the current World Test Championship to secure a spot in the final in England next year.
Following the series against Bangladesh, South Africa will face Sri Lanka and Pakistan in two-match series during the home season, set to take place in December and January. Conrad acknowledged that Bangladesh will pose a considerable challenge, especially after their recent victory over Pakistan.
“It’s encouraging for world cricket that it’s not only about the big three,” Conrad remarked. He added that Bangladesh is currently competitive and in good form, with Shakib Al Hasan set to retire after this series, making it a significant one for the team. The South African squad is scheduled to gather in Pretoria on October 12 before departing for Bangladesh on October 15.
South African Squad:
- Temba Bavuma (captain)
- David Bedingham
- Matthew Breetzke
- Nandre Burger
- Tony de Zorzi
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Dane Paterson
- Dane Piedt
- Kagiso Rabada
- Tristan Stubbs
- Ryan Rickelton (wkt)
- Kyle Verreynne (wkt)
Fixtures:
- October 21-25: First Test in Dhaka
- October 29-November 2: Second Test in Chattogram
