History and the form of South Africa\u2019s leading batsmen are against Bangladesh in the first Test starting September 28 at Senwes Park in northwestern university town Potchefstroom.<\/p>\n
Bangladesh have lost all four previous Tests in South Africa by an innings, despite winning the toss on all four occasions.<\/p>\n
In their favour, though, is improved form since their previous tour in 2008\/09 and a Potchefstroom pitch less likely to help South Africa\u2019s formidable fast bowlers than other surfaces in the host country.<\/p>\n
Although it has generally favoured batsmen, there was surprising assistance for slow bowlers in a Twenty20 tournament earlier this month, a repeat of which would suit Bangladesh\u2019s spin-strong attack.<\/p>\n
Even so, the odds seemed loaded in South Africa\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n
Bangladesh did not suggest themselves as world-beaters in a low-key draw against a largely inexperienced Invitation team in Benoni near Johannesburg last week, while South Africa\u2019s top batsmen were feasting in four-day franchise matches.<\/p>\n
Hashim Amla, Dean Elgar, Theunis de Bruyn and new cap Aiden Markram all scored centuries, captain Faf du Plessis made 96 and Quinton de Kock hit a half-century.<\/p>\n
Temba Bavuma was the exception, making 25 and 0.<\/p>\n
South Africa\u2019s Test stars were playing domestic first- class cricket at the insistence of new head coach, former West Indies player Ottis Gibson, some for the first time in several seasons.<\/p>\n
The form of the batsmen was encouraging after they struggled in a low-scoring series defeat in England this year.<\/p>\n
South Africa\u2019s frontline bowlers were less successful, however.<\/p>\n
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada failed to take a wicket in 38 overs, Duanne Olivier took three in the first innings and none in 31 overs in the second innings and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj took just one wicket in 39 overs.<\/p>\n
Only Morne Morkel enjoyed some success, taking five wickets across two innings.<\/p>\n
In the absence of leading all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who was granted a break from Test cricket, Bangladesh will look to their two most experienced remaining players, captain Mushfiqur Rahim and opener Tamim Iqbal, to provide substance to their batting.<\/p>\n
Tamim played a minimal role in the warm-up match because of a thigh muscle strain but has been passed fit for Potchefstroom.<\/p>\n
Shakib has also been a mainstay of Bangladesh\u2019s bowling attack, which looks short of experience without him.<\/p>\n
Only slow left-armer Taijul Islam, with 54, has taken more than 50 Test wickets.<\/p>\n
Two young bowlers, left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman, 22, and off-spinner Mehidy Hasan, 19, are likely to be key figures for the tourists.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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