Robin debuts as Bangladesh opt to bat first against South Africa

Opener Mahfijul Rahman Robin is set to make his Test debut as Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.

Robin, who earned a maiden call-up to the Test side following an impressive run in the National Cricket League (NCL) will open the innings alongside Tanzid Hasan Tamim in a left-and-right handed opening pair.

He comes in place of Shadman Islam, who hurt his ankle during the Sylhet Test against West Indies earlier this month.

Both sides have gone in with a pace-heavy attack, with Bangladesh opting for three pacers – Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed – and the lone spinner in Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

South Africa, who had announced their XI a day before, have four fast-bowling options – pacers Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson and Marco Jansen and the pace-bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Mahfijul Islam Robin, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed

South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, Zubayr Hamza, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson.