Buoyed by a historic ODI series victory, Bangladesh will now aim to add another feather in their cap when they take on South Africa in the first Test match, in Durban. The numbers, however, paint a grim picture for the visitors: they have lost all six Tests in South Africa by heavy margins.
But again, Bangladesh never won an away Test against New Zealand until a few weeks ago. That historic win will certainly serve as an inspiration to achieve the elusive victory in South Africa.
Of course, they will miss the Shakib Al Hasan who has to make an emergency visit back home ahead of the series. At the same time, Tamim Iqbal returned to the squad after missing the Test series against New Zealand, something that will definitely bolster their batting unit.
On the bowling front, Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam will lead the pace attack. Taskin was the Player of the Series in the ODIs, but he averages 56 in Test cricket. Even then, he will relish bowling at Durban pitch where conditions should favour him.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be without a host of fast bowlers. They will miss Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, and Rassie van der Dussen to the Indian Premier League 2022. In their absence, the onus will be on Duanne Olivier and Lutho Sipamla to step up to the occasion. South Africa may hand a Test debut to Daryn Dupavillon, a fast bowler who can bowl in excess of 140 kph.
Probable XIs
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Daryn Dupavillon, Duanne Olivier, Keshav Maharaj, Lutho Sipamla
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain
Fantasy Tips
- Among batters, Elgar and Petersen are must-haves for your fantasy team.
- Make Bavuma captain and Taskin vice-captain.
Fantasy XI:
Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma (c), Taskin Ahmed (vc), Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Ebadot Hossain, Kyle Verreynne, Lutho Sipamla, Duanne Olivier, Mominul Haque