South Africa’s cricket coach, Shukri Conrad, announced a 15-man squad featuring three spinners for the Test series against Bangladesh. The squad preparation follows a security assessment due to recent unrest in Bangladesh. Key players include Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada. The matches are seen as crucial for South Africa’s World Test Championship standings, with the series scheduled for October 21-25 and October 29-November 2, 2023.
On Monday, South African cricket coach Shukri Conrad announced a 15-man squad featuring three spin bowlers for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. This decision comes as South Africa prepares to engage in two matches set to take place in Dhaka and Chattogram next month. The squad’s revelation coincided with confirmation of the planned Test matches, following a security evaluation by a South African delegation in light of recent political instability in Bangladesh, which resulted in over 200 fatalities during protests earlier this year. The left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy has made a return to the squad since his last selection in March 2023 and will be joined by fellow left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Dane Piedt. The selection committee has opted for only three specialist seam bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Dane Paterson, complemented by seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder. Coach Conrad noted that discussions regarding the playing conditions in Bangladesh took place with Russell Domingo, a former South African coach of the Bangladesh team from 2019 to 2022. “We are likely to play three seamers maximum in Dhaka and Chattogram,” Conrad stated, outlining the expected bowling strategy. He highlighted the probable inclusion of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, and Wiaan Mulder as an all-rounder, with Dane Paterson available depending on conditions. Furthermore, he indicated that only two spinners may feature in the starting eleven, acknowledging the valuable overs that Keshav Maharaj can offer while Muthusamy serves as a backup. Lungi Ngidi was the sole player omitted from the squad, which triumphed against the West Indies 1-0 in August’s Test series. Conrad expressed a strategic aim, stating, “I believe South Africa would need to win five of their six remaining Tests in the current world Test championship to qualify for the final in England next year.” Beyond Bangladesh, the team will engage with Sri Lanka and Pakistan for two-match series in December and January. Anticipating a formidable challenge from Bangladesh, who recently achieved victory over Pakistan, he acknowledged the competitiveness these nations bring to the cricketing landscape. “It is encouraging for world cricket that it is not only about the big three,” he remarked, further emphasizing the significance of Bangladesh’s upcoming matches as they prepare to farewell star player Shakib Al Hasan. The South African squad will convene in Pretoria on October 12 and depart 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), and Kyle Verreynne (wkt). The fixtures for the series are as follows: the first Test is scheduled for October 21-25 in Dhaka, followed by the second Test from October 29-November 2 in Chattogram.
The article discusses the announcement of South Africa’s cricket squad for a Test series against Bangladesh, highlighting the inclusion of three spin bowlers and the implications of the team’s selection amidst recent political unrest in Bangladesh. The context emphasizes the strategic considerations of the South African coaching staff as they prepare for the series and the potential challenges posed by the opposing team.
In summary, South Africa’s cricket team has strategically selected a blend of bowlers, including three spinners, in preparation for the upcoming Tests against Bangladesh. Coach Shukri Conrad has underlined the importance of performance in these matches for their aspirations in the World Test Championship. The anticipated strength of the Bangladesh team adds to the excitement of the series, making it a significant event in the cricketing calendar.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
