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Bangladesh have officially revealed their squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa. This series is part of South Africa’s tour of Bangladesh in 2024.
The first Test is set to begin on October 21 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, followed by the second Test, which will commence on October 29 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram. The series is a crucial opportunity for Bangladesh to bounce back from their recent setback against India and prove their mettle in the longest format of the game.
South Africa’s mixed form offers hope for Bangladesh
Bangladesh enters the series against South Africa on the back of a disappointing whitewash at the hands of India. In the recently concluded two-match Test series, Bangladesh was defeated 2-0. Despite their efforts, the Bangladeshi side struggled against India’s dominant bowling and batting performances. This series loss will weigh heavily on the team as they look to regroup and regain their footing in the Test arena.
While Bangladesh’s recent performance has been underwhelming, South Africa also arrives in Bangladesh with a mixed bag of results. Their last Test series played against West Indies in August 2024, saw them claim a narrow 1-0 victory. Given South Africa’s inconsistent run, Bangladesh will be hopeful of capitalizing on this opportunity to deliver a much-improved performance.
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Key players to watch for Bangladesh
In Bangladesh’s quest for redemption, several key players will be crucial to their success. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto will be the centre of attention, having been the team’s leading run-scorer during the recent series against India. He amassed 152 runs in two matches and will be expected to lead from the front.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will also be pivotal in the upcoming series. He was the highest wicket-taker for his team in the India series, claiming nine wickets in two Tests. Mehidy’s ability to trouble the batters will be vital to Bangladesh’s chances.
Mominul Haque, the experienced middle-order left-hander, is another player to watch. He was Bangladesh’s only centurion in the series against India and is known for his resilience at the crease. His contributions will be crucial, especially in difficult batting conditions.
Shakib Al Hasan’s Test farewell
The upcoming Test series will also be an emotional one for Bangladesh, as it marks the farewell series for their cricketing icon, Shakib Al Hasan.
Shakib recently announced his impending retirement from Test cricket, signalling the end of a glorious chapter in Bangladesh cricket. A veteran of the game, Shakib made his Test debut in May 2007 against India and has since established himself as one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket. With 4,609 runs and 246 wickets in his Test career, Shakib’s contribution to Bangladesh’s cricketing success has been immense, and he will look to go out on a high against South Africa.
Bangladesh’s squad for the Test series against South Africa
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana
