South Africa fear Bangladesh’s pace threat in Test series, Shukri Conrad warns

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has warned his team against underestimating Bangladesh’s fast bowling attack ahead of their two-Test series starting in Johannesburg on November 15. With both matches scheduled in the Highveld region, where conditions traditionally offer pace and bounce, the Proteas expect the visitors’ fast bowlers to pose a serious challenge.

Bangladesh have made significant progress with their pace attack in recent years, moving away from their traditional reliance on spin. Their fast bowlers are increasingly becoming match winners and helping the team compete against stronger opponents, even in overseas conditions.

“Now they have a fast bowling attack. Whereas in previous years they came here with respect and a pop-gun attack. Now they have guys who can mix it up, especially on the Highveld where we expect fast bowling conditions,” Conrad said at a pre-series press conference.

BANGLADESH QUICK ATTACKS MAKE A LONG PLATE

Bangladesh’s transformation has been particularly evident in Test cricket. Ebadot Hossain made his mark on the international stage with a memorable performance against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui in January 2022. His six-wicket haul in the second innings helped Bangladesh secure their first-ever Test victory in New Zealand.

Shoriful Islam has added variety to the attack with his left-arm pace and ability to move the ball, while Hasan Mahmud has developed into a reliable option with his accuracy, seam movement and ability to trouble the batsmen with the new ball. Together, they reflect the growing depth of Bangladesh’s fast-bowling resources.

Bangladesh’s progress was further underlined by theirs historic Test win over Australia in Darwin in August. They won by nine wickets despite being without Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Hasan Mahmud was outstanding with nine wickets in the match while Taskin Ahmed and Ebadot Hossain also made valuable contributions.

BANGLADESH HAVE ENOUGH DEPTH DESPITE NAHID RANA’S ABSENCE

Bangladesh will again be without Nahid Rana for the South African Tests as the fast bowler continues to recover from injury. However, the visitors showed they have enough depth to compete without their express pacer.

Hasan Mahmud further enhanced his credentials and recently became the most successful Bangladesh fast bowler in terms of Test five wickets. In November, he went past Shahadat Hossain for his fifth five-wicket haul against the West Indies.

Meanwhile, South Africa will enter the series after a 2-1 Test series win over Australia. Kagiso Rabada and his fellow fast bowlers will be expected to make the most of the home conditions, but Conrad knows Bangladesh have the wherewithal to make life difficult for the hosts.

South Africa and Bangladesh will play two Tests from November 15-27, followed by a three-match ODI series from December 1-7 and a three-match T20I series from December 10-13. The opening Test will be played at Wanderers in Johannesburg, with the second scheduled in Centurion.

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