Bangladesh keep opening pair under wraps for first South Africa Test
Bangladesh have decided who their opening pair will be in the first Test against South Africa, but captain Najmul Hossain Shanto declined to reveal them on the eve of the match at the Wanderers on Saturday.
The slot is open because Shadman Islam is out of the tour after twisting his ankle while fielding in the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet.
Domestic performers Mohammad Naim and Mahfizul Islam Robin are the likely replacements.
Naim returned to the Test setup for the first time since making his red-ball debut in 2022, while right-hander Robin is yet to debut in international cricket.
Experience-wise, Naim is the better candidate, however, if the management wants to go for a left and right-hand combination at the top, they could go for the right-hander Robin.
Shanto, however, rejected the idea that Robin was picked only for being right-handed. “It’s not that Robin has come into the team just because he’s right-handed. That was part of a plan.”
“He has also performed well in first-class cricket, so I think he deserves to be in this team,” Shanto said of Robin.
Asked about the opening combination, Shanto said: “Still, I don’t want to say anything on this. I think both are in very good touch. We know who we will play, but let’s keep that between us.”
South Africa have shown no such reluctance. The Proteas announced their side on Saturday for the Test that begins on Sunday at the Wanderers.
Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim is likely to retain his spot, even after a sub-par series against the West Indies. In Bangladesh’s last overseas tour, against Australia in August, the left-hander became the first Bangladesh batter to score a Test century in Australia, hitting 101, playing a crucial role in the historic Test win in Darwin.
Asked whether Tanzid needed a big innings, Shanto refused to single out any player. “I won’t talk about any individual player. In these conditions, it’s very important for the whole batting unit to perform, whether it’s Tanzid or anyone else.”
Shanto was more open about the composition of the bowling attack, without uttering any names.
“There will definitely be three seamers, and there should definitely be one spinner as well.
“We still have another day, so I’ll come in the morning, look at the wicket again and then decide.”
On conditions, Shanto said: “I think the pace bowlers will definitely get some help, so that’s what I’m expecting. Our spinners are also experienced at bowling in these conditions.”
Asked about the struggle for middle-overs wickets, he defended his bowlers. “I think the bowling department is doing well. You shouldn’t judge on one or two innings, or one or two series.”
Bangladesh have not won a Test since Darwin, a run Shanto acknowledged. “Yes, the last two or three matches haven’t gone well. That’s true, but rather than thinking too much about that, what matters is how we do well going forward.”
“Mentally, everyone is in a good place,” Shanto said. He pointed to the ODI series win on Bangladesh’s last bilateral tour of South Africa. “We have evidence in front of us that it’s possible to play well and win matches here.”
“I have a lot of belief. Without belief, nothing is possible. The whole team believes we can play good cricket here.”
The second and final Test is at SuperSport Park, Centurion, from November 23 to 27.