South Africa wary of Bangladesh pace threat in Test series, warns Shukri Conrad

SA vs BAN: South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has warned his team against underestimating Bangladesh's improved pace attack ahead of the two-Test series, particularly with conditions expected to favour fast bowling.

In Short

• South Africa and Bangladesh will begin their Test series on November 15
• Conrad has warned South Africa against underestimating Bangladesh's pace attack
• Bangladesh will be without express pacer Nahid Rana for the South Africa Tests

South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has warned his team against underestimating Bangladesh's fast-bowling attack ahead of their two-Test series, which begins 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 considerable progress with their pace attack in recent years, moving away from their traditional dependence on spin. Their fast bowlers have increasingly emerged as match-winners, helping the team compete against stronger opponents, including in overseas conditions.

“They’ve got a fast bowling attack now. Whereas in years gone by they’d come here with, with respect, a pop-gun attack. Now they’ve got guys who can mix it, especially up on the Highveld, where we expect conditions to favour fast bowling,” Conrad said at a press conference ahead of the series.

BANGLADESH'S PACE ATTACK HAS COME A LONG WAY

Bangladesh's transformation has been particularly evident in Test cricket. Ebadot Hossain announced himself on the international stage with a memorable performance against New Zealand in 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 dependable option with his accuracy, seam movement and ability to trouble batters with the new ball. Together, they reflect the growing depth of Bangladesh's fast-bowling resources.

Bangladesh's progress was further underlined by their historic Test victory over Australia in Darwin in August. They won by nine wickets despite being without Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam. Hasan Mahmud was outstanding, claiming 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 Africa Tests as the fast bowler continues his recovery from injury. However, the visitors have shown that they have enough depth to compete without their express pacer.

Hasan Mahmud has further strengthened his credentials, recently becoming Bangladesh's most successful fast bowler in terms of Test five-wicket hauls. He moved past Shahadat Hossain with his fifth five-wicket haul against the West Indies in November.

South Africa, meanwhile, will enter the series on the back of a 2-1 Test series victory over Australia. Kagiso Rabada and his fellow fast bowlers will be expected to make the most of home conditions, but Conrad knows Bangladesh have the resources 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 the Wanderers in Johannesburg, with the second scheduled in Centurion.

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