‘Tests will be tough for both teams’

Bangladesh’s upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa will be tough for both sides, warned Bangladesh head coach Russell Domingo on Tuesday.

The Tigers sealed a maiden One-Day International series win in South Africa as they beat the Proteas 2-1 in the three-match series. Bangladesh, who had never won a match in South Africa before this tour, are hoping to replicate the results in the red-ball format.

Bangladesh, earlier this year, claimed their first win on Blackcaps soil in Mount Maunganui as they drew the two-match Test series 1-1.

While that series remains an inspiration, Domingo is expecting a difficult series.

“We are expecting a difficult series. It’s their home ground. The boys are playing well, and drawing the series against New Zealand is an inspiration. And the Test side is improving. We are here with hope, but we know it’s going to be difficult,” the South African said on Tuesday.

South Africa will be without key players Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, and Rassie Van Der Dussen as they have left the team to play in the Indian Premier League. And Domingo believes it will make the series tough for the hosts too.

“Yes, it will be tough for both sides,” the Bangladesh head coach said after being asked about the South African absentees.

But he added, “But they have depth with some great young players, especially in the pace department. They will be under pressure and will try to cement their place in the team. This will be an advantage for us, but they will play with quality players.”

South African skipper Dean Elgar said that they had to do with the players available.

“We have to make do with our next best that we have in the country, who I’m still very confident in. Yes, we’ve lost a few Test caps along the way not having the IPL players with us, but it’s a great opportunity for those guys to stand up and put those other players under pressure. I’m confident they can do that,” he said.

The opener also said this was a different Bangladesh, but believes the ODI series defeat against the Tigers has fuelled them.

“What happened in the ODI series has hurt quite a lot of players. I wasn’t involved but I’m pretty hurt about the result. I’d like to think that’s fuelled us. Our hunger is going to be right up there. We know this Bangladesh side is not one of old. They’re a new team with a westernised coaching staff who have changed their mindset with regards to how to play cricket in South Africa,” he said on Tuesday.