A depleted Proteas outfit host Bangladesh in the first of two Tests with a fair few nerves around.
Bangladesh are chasing history and have an ODI series win behind them as well as a historic Test win in New Zealand earlier this year to bolster them.
South Africa vs Bangladesh | 31 March – 4 April | Hollywoodbets Kingsmead
To Win Match
South Africa 5/10 | Draw 15/4 | Bangladesh 9/2
South Africa
The IPL absences have hit the fast bowling department hardest with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Anrich Nortje all seconded to the franchise tournament.
In their stead, Duanne Olivier and Lutho Sipampla will be asked to hold down the fort, while Glenton Stuurman, Lizaad Williams and hometown boy Daryn Dupavillon will fight it out for the remaining place.
The inexperience of the pace attack means that Wiaan Mulder is almost certain to play unless the Proteas opt to fill the all-rounders slot with spinner Simon Harmer.
With Rassie van der Dussen out, Khaya Zondo looks set to make his Test debut in the Proteas middle order after an impressive start to the First Class season.
Bangladesh
Test skipper Mominul Haque is the notable addition to the squad from the white-ball group adding grit to a team with plenty of flair.
Bangladesh have steeled themselves for this trip and will surely see the absence of the Proteas’ lead strike bowlers as an opening.
The Tigers have a boatload of left-handed batters in their group, which could be a strength or a weakness.
Versatility is where Bangladesh have the edge on the Proteas as they have far more bowling options available to them, especially when it comes to spin.
Verdict: Bangladesh 9/2
Bangladesh have been improving across all three formats of late and look really good value to upset the Prtoeas down in Durban.
