South Africa Names Three Spinners for Bangladesh Test Tour
South Africa has announced a 15-man squad for their upcoming two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October, featuring a trio of spinners to combat the expected conditions. Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Piedt, and Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin attack, while Matthew Breetzke is the sole uncapped player in the squad.
The tour, part of the World Test Championship, had been in doubt due to political unrest in Bangladesh. However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) gave the green light after a security assessment team inspected the venues in Dhaka and Chattogram.
“Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour,” said South Africa red-ball coach Shukri Conrad. “We have chosen a squad for the conditions we are expecting to greet us.”
The three spinners will be supported by a pace attack consisting of Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger, Dane Paterson, and allrounder Wiaan Mulder. Paterson and Piedt, both veterans, were part of South Africa’s Test tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
Breetzke, a highly rated top-order batter, has limited international experience with only eight T20Is to his name. However, he faces stiff competition for a Test debut with Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne all in the mix.
Ashwell Prince, who previously served as Bangladesh’s batting coach, will join the South Africa management team. His knowledge of the local conditions could prove invaluable.