South Africa tour of Bangladesh: Visitors give green light to series, Muthusamy part of 3-man spin contingent
South Africa tour of Bangladesh: Visitors give green light for series, Muthusamy part of 3-man spin contingent
South Africa have finally green lightthetwo-Test match series against Bangladesh after they announced their squad on Monday (Sep 30). The Proteas initially had put the tour on hold with unrest in Bangladesh, however, after security assurances were given, South Africaare now set to complete the tour. The 15-man squad will be led by Temba Bavuma while Senuran Muthusamy is one of three spinners included in the side.
South Africa to tour Bangladesh
With World Test Championship (WTC) points up for grabs it was vital for the Porteas to play in the series despite having raised concerns about travel. Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to pull the plug and award UAE the hosting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup with unrest in the nation after former PM Sheikh Hasina was ousted.
The decision was taken following a security assessment by a South African delegation in the country -- more than 200 people died in political protests in Bangladesh earlier this year.
Left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy was recalled to the squad for the first time since March 2023. He will join fellow left-armer Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Dane Piedt.
Only three specialist seam bowlers -– Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger and Dane Paterson -– were selected, along with seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder.
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"Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour," South Africa Test head coach Shukri Conrad said. "They’ve become a formidable side at home and we have to be prepared for the challenge that awaits us.
"We have three frontline spinners and all of them have the ability to step up at any time they are needed. This is a great chance for someone like Senuran, who has the potential to make a mark with both bat and ball," Conrad added.
South Africa Test squad for Bangladesh series:
Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Kyle Verreynne (wk)
