South Africa named a fresh after its board decided to let most of its top-ranked player skip the series for playing in IPL. Bangladesh on the other hand had a full squad sans star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, unavailable for staying beside his ailing next of keens. 

The only Bangladesh player Mustafizur Rahman who would play for Mumbai Indians does not play red ball cricket any longer. Both the teams in the recent past drew 1-1 the test series on tour against World Test Champions New Zealand almost in identical fashion. The momentum is with Bangladesh now having won the recently concluded ODI series against full strength South Africa. Most of players of Bangladesh test squad spend 10 days acclimatisation time with the condition at Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy (GKC) at Capetown. Bangladesh like all other formats did not win any match on tour before this time in South Africa. Now against the depleted Protean team balanced Mominul Haq led squad would fancy their chance. 

Two matches test series would start from 31 St March 2022 at Durban. The second test would be played at Port Elizabeth from 8 th April. Bangladesh would play a practice match making two teams with players of the squad. 7 players of the squad Tamim Iqbal, Litton  K Das, Mushfquur Rahim  ,Yasir Ali ,Mehedi Miraj , Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful  Islam  already have experience playing against main stream South Africa in ODI series. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was also in the squad. Red ball cricket played over 15 sessions in 5 days is very different. It could be better if Shakib Al Hasan star all rounder was available. But he had to rush back home for pressing family needs. 

Bangladesh in January 2022 won that historic test match in New Zealand without any of four senior experienced players. They have every reason to draw encouragement and confidence from that victory. Najmul Hossain Shanto, Ebadat Hossain, Taijul Islam, Shadman Islam and Nurul Hasan Sohan would add strength. 

South Africa will have a depleted main stream pace attack. They have let Kagiso Rabada , Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen play for IPL 2022 skipping the series. Top batsmen Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen have also opted for IPL. While the home team still have quality to compete admirably but Bangladesh may exploit the situation as most players lack experience of playing against quality international teams. Without judging the opposition of their composition Bangladesh must concentrate on their own performance. Hope the time in Gary Kirsten academy has given them some added confidence and of course, the win of ODI series would also boost them. 

The return of Tamim and Mushfique in the squad would add fillip. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hasan would possibly play in the top order. In form Litton may bat at five. The batting would rotate around Tamim and Mushfique .One of them has to bat deep to encourage the youngsters . The prolific form of Litton with the bat would give advantage. Changed Taskin is a huge bonus. He will have Ebadat with him sharing the new ball. Shoriful is maturing as pacers with every match he is playing. Bangladesh has useful back up in Khaled Ahmed, Abu Jayed and Shohidul Islam. 

The advent of “White Electricity” Alan Donald has started benefitting Bangladeshi pacers. We are not sure whether Nurul Hasan would be inducted as a specialist wicket keeper or not. Would suggest for the same for reliving the experienced Mushfique a little for focusing on his batting. Mehedy Miraj and Taizul Islam would share the spin attack. I would consider Bangladesh as favourite for winning the series. 

The two matches test series offers Bangladesh another opportunity for setting winning footprints in South Africa. 

Squad:
South Africa: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma (vice-captain), Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Duanne Olivier, Keegan Petersen, Ryan Rickelton, Lutho Sipamla, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo.

Bangladesh: Mominul Haque (captain), Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan (might be unavailable), Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Yasir Ali, Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Abu Jayed, Ebadot Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Shohidul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Shadman Islam, Nurul Hasan

BDST: 1255 HRS, MAR 27, 2022
SMS