South Africa vs Bangladesh: SA Wins Toss and Bats
Heavy rain dominated the build-up to South Africa’s first Test in six months but it abated in time for the start of the first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong.
Bangladesh’s Test record is not very impressive despite a stellar improvement in ODIs which saw it register series wins at home against Pakistan, India and South Africa following its first-ever appearance in the quarterfinals of the World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand. It has played 91 Tests, winning just seven _ all against Zimbabwe and a second-string West Indies side in 2009.
In the event of a 1-1 series draw, Bangladesh would rise to 47 points, while South Africa would drop to 125 points.
Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha says South Africa’s superb bowling line-up represents the main danger to his team. If the one-day series is anything to go by, we could be in for a treat if the weather plays along. “I think the most important thing for us was to bring smiles to their faces by spreading a few Madiba magic to those less fortunate than us”. “We have to play big moments intelligently as well”, Hathurusingha said.
“We hope to make best use of the wicket”.
“Hopefully if he gets there during this series; there is no doubt that everybody will really enjoy the success that he gets because we know the amount of work that he has put in and the impact he has had on this team”.
The world’s prime check aspect welcome again tempo spearhead Dale Steyn for the collection however will probably be with out batting mainstay AB de Villiers, who has been granted paternity depart.
“We have eight new players here which is always great; there is new energy, new ideas and some experience with guys like Dale (Steyn) joining the side”. The hosts won a closely-fought One-Day worldwide (ODI) series, and will look to emerge victorious even in the Tests.
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudullah, Shakib Al Hasan, Jubair Hossain, Mohammad Shahid, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mustafizur Rahman and Taijul Islam.
The second and final Test will be played in Dhaka from July 30 to August 3.