Bangladesh face stern Test against South Africa

Bangladesh face a demanding examination of their Test credentials when they begin a two-match World Test Championship series against South Africa in Johannesburg on November 15.

The opening Test at the Wanderers will present a significant challenge for Najmul Hossain Shanto's side, particularly against a South African attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Dane Paterson and Corbin Bosch.

Bangladesh have included a mixture of experience and fresh options in their 16-member squad. Uncapped batter Mahfijul Islam earned his maiden Test call-up after an impressive run in the National Cricket League, while Naim Sheikh returns to the Test side for the first time since his debut in 2022.

Khaled Ahmed has also returned to the squad, replacing Nayeem Hasan as Bangladesh prepare for conditions expected to favour pace bowling. Mominul Haque is back after missing the second West Indies Test under concussion protocols. Shadman Islam, meanwhile, has been ruled out following an ankle injury.

South Africa will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje for the opening match. Head coach Shukri Conrad expects the quick to be available for the second Test in Centurion, scheduled for November 23-27.

Conrad also faces a decision over the No. 3 batting position, with Tony de Zorzi and Zubayr Hamza competing for the place following David Bedingham's omission.

The South African coach has stressed the importance of settling the batting order rather than making frequent changes.

For Bangladesh, the immediate task will be to adapt quickly to the conditions and make their pace resources count. Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed give Shanto several fast-bowling options, while the batting unit will need to show greater consistency against a formidable home attack.

The second Test will be played in Centurion from November 23 to 27.