According to weather forecast, thunderstorms are expected to play foul throughout the entire first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong, starting today, but the hosts will be hardly bothered with the rain as they bid to exhibit some good cricket with the red ball.
The Tigers defeated the Proteas in the recently concluded three-ODI series but a different challenge awaits the home side in the opening five-dayer. In the eight previous Tests between the two teams, Bangladesh succumbed to an innings defeat seven times, so they will be looking to improve on the head-to-head record.
The stats might be stacked heavily against the Tigers but a lot has changed since the two sides last met back in 2008. The Tigers, ranked ninth in the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings, have come a long way in the limited-over cricket and will be desperate to transform their form into the Test matches against the Proteas.
The upward curve in the performance graph has also been evident in recent Tests as Bangladesh drew the Khulna Test against Pakistan and the lone five-dayer against India. In the first Test against Pakistan, the Tigers had their backs against the wall but a brilliant batting display by openers Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes guided them to safety. And although rain played its part against the Indians, the Tigers still drew the only Test.
The Tigers seemed to have settled down with their line-ups for the shorter formats but they are yet to perfect their Test plans, often playing eight batsmen which indicates a defensive strategy.
And when the first South Africa Test rolls into the field today, there is every indication that they will adopt the same approach of playing eight batsmen and only three specialist bowlers. However, new sensation Mustafizur Rahman can at least add a new dimension to the attack.
Many believe the national selection panel should have waited a bit more with the 19-year-old youngster before handing his maiden Test cap, but given the fact that the Satkhira lad is an unknown commodity to four or five Proteas batsmen worked in his favour.
The Tigers’ batting order will be boosted with the return of Mahmudullah, who is likely to replace Liton Kumar Das in the starting XI.
In contrast, the Proteas, ranked the world’s best Test side, will start as heavy favourites despite the disadvantage of alien conditions. With several uncapped players in the squad, this South African unit is wearing a new look for the Bangladesh Tests.
However, the inclusion of veteran fast bowler Dale Steyn will be a shot in the arm of the Hashim Amla-led Test outfit. Backed by the experience of Faf du Plessis and Morne Morkel, Amla will look to continue their recent run of form in the sub-continent which includes an away series victory in Sri Lanka.
The pitch in Chittagong stadium is likely to be batting-friendly but spinners will get a bit of purchase from the deck as the Test progresses and cracks start to appear.
The match begins at 9:30am and will be telecast live on BTV, GTV and Star Sports 1.
Probable Bangladesh squad:
Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (C), Shakib al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Liton Kumar Das (WK), Mahmudullah, Taijul Islam/Jubair Hossain, Rubel Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman
Probable South Africa squad:
Reeza Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla (C), JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock (WK), Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander, Simon Harmer/Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel
