Surrendering to spin outside the Indian subcontinent is an aberration (cardinal sin, some would say) for the Asian sides, something Bangladesh were guilty of when they got shot out for 53 in Durban. They were playing against South Africa, a side known for their fast bowlers. And once South Africa lost their frontline fast bowlers to the IPL, Bangladesh were expected to put up a fight.
Despite trailing in the first innings, Bangladesh tried hard to claw back into the contest for almost four days. In the first innings, Mahmudul Hasan Joy became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test hundred against South Africa. But no help came in the second in the second innings. The inability to step up collectively and consistently has been a recurrent motif of this Bangladesh side. Individual heroics will take them only so far.
The post-match reactions from their camp were more about how they were at the receiving end of verbal abuse and ordinary umpiring. This did well to hide the more pressing issue related to their fragile batting order, but not for long.
At Gqeberha, where swirling winds are expected throughout the day, batters from both sides will be up for a challenging time. Both sides will be looking to bowl first. South Africa, in the recent past, have lost to Sri Lanka and England at this venue. They may trade off one spinner to a fast bowler to capitalise on the conditions.
Probable XIs
South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Glenton Stuurman, Lizaad Williams, Duanne Olivier
Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque (c), Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wk), Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain
Fantasy Tips
- Pick Olivier and Williams in your team.
- Place your bet on South Africa to complete a clean sweep.
Fantasy XI
Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Lizaad Williams, Duanne Olivier, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain, Keshav Maharaj (vc)