Spinners winning a Test for the Proteas against Bangladesh at home may seem out of place, but we could see lightning strike twice when the sides meet again in Gqeberha. St George's Park has been known to take a bit of turn and aid the slower bowlers.
South Africa vs Bangladesh | 8 – 12 April | St George’s Park, Gqeberha
To Win Match
South Africa 15/20 | Draw 16/10 | Bangladesh 8/1
South Africa
South Africa made the most of a poor decision by Bangladesh in the first Test after their skipper opted to bat first at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.
The spinners had been crucial to giving them a series lead and South Africa are likely to retain both Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj for this second Test.
Ryan Rickelton is likely to get a second Test to prove his batting credentials after a decent second dig against the Tigers.
The Proteas will be concerned that new ball bowlers Duanne Olivier and debutant Lizaad Williams weren’t terribly incisive with the fresh pill.
Bangladesh
Mahmudul Hasan Joy has been a terrific find for the tourists, but they will hope to give the opening batter some more support.
Without Shakib Al Hasan Bangladesh might want to consider playing a second frontline spinner at St George’s.
Test skipper Mominul Haque is struggling for batting form after shifting to the middle order and is under pressure for his place with young batting talent coming through.
Mehidy Hasan has been chosen as their allrounder but his efforts with the bat suggest he might not be ready to fully assume the role.
Verdict: South Africa 15/20
The hosts should close out this series after a confidence-boosting final day down in Durban.
