Cricket South Africa has officially confirmed a two-match Test series tour to Bangladesh starting on October 21, following previous concerns over political unrest. The South African team will arrive on October 16, with the first match taking place in Dhaka. Temba Bavuma will lead a 15-member squad that includes the return of spinner Senuran Muthusamy. This series is significant for Bangladesh, who have never won a Test against South Africa.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially confirmed their upcoming tour of Bangladesh, which will feature a two-match Test series scheduled for next month. Initially in doubt due to political unrest in the region, the series is now set to commence on October 21. The South African team will arrive in Dhaka on October 16, with the first Test taking place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The second Test is scheduled for October 29 in Chattogram. In a press release, CSA stated, “Cricket South Africa and the Bangladesh Cricket Board can confirm the two-match Test series scheduled to start on 21 October will go ahead.” The decision was made following a security assessment conducted by several representatives from CSA, who visited Bangladesh to evaluate the security measures in place. As part of this tour, South Africa has announced a 15-member squad, which includes the return of spinner Senuran Muthusamy after a year-long absence. The squad will also consist of an experienced spin trio featuring Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt, with Temba Bavuma captaining the side. Matthew Breetzke is noted as the only uncapped player in the squad. South Africa’s Test head coach, Shukri Conrad, acknowledged the challenges posed by touring Bangladesh, remarking, “Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour. They have become a formidable side at home and we have to be prepared for the challenge that awaits us.” Historically, Bangladesh has struggled against South Africa in Test matches, without a single victory in their 14 encounters, having lost 12 and drawn two.
The confirmation of South Africa’s tour to Bangladesh comes amid previous concerns about political instability in the region. Cricket South Africa had to ensure secure conditions before initiating this series. The series aligns with the ICC World Test Championship, highlighting its importance in the international cricket calendar. As Bangladesh has historically not won a Test against South Africa, this tour is pivotal for both teams, reflecting Bangladesh’s growth in home conditions and South Africa’s pursuit of success on foreign soil.
The upcoming Test series between South Africa and Bangladesh represents a significant event in international cricket, as it reflects both teams’ competitive spirit. The validation of the tour after a security assessment underscores the commitment to safety and the importance of cricket amidst political conditions. It will be crucial for the South African team to adapt to local conditions, while Bangladesh aims to improve upon their historical performance against the visitors in Test matches.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
