South Africa selects three spinners for Bangladesh Test series
- South Africa's cricket team will play two Tests against Bangladesh in October 2023.
- The squad features three spinners and three seamers, indicating a strategy tailored to local conditions.
- Coach Shukri Conrad aims to secure five wins in the remaining Tests to qualify for the World Test Championship final.
South Africa's cricket team is set to face Bangladesh in a two-Test series, with matches scheduled in Dhaka and Chattogram from October 21 to November 2, 2023. The squad, announced by coach Shukri Conrad, includes three spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy, and Dane Piedt, alongside three specialist seamers. The decision to include spinners reflects the anticipated playing conditions in Bangladesh, which are expected to favor spin bowling. Conrad has emphasized the importance of winning five out of the remaining six Tests in the current World Test Championship to secure a place in the final in England next year. The team is coming off a successful series against the West Indies and is preparing for a challenging series against Bangladesh, who recently defeated Pakistan. The South African squad will gather in Pretoria on October 12 before departing for Bangladesh on October 15. The inclusion of players like Muthusamy, who returns to the squad after several months, indicates a strategic approach to the series. The team aims to adapt to the local conditions and counter the strong performance of the Bangladeshi side, particularly with Shakib Al Hasan's last series adding emotional stakes. Conrad's insights into the conditions and the opposition highlight the competitive nature of the upcoming matches, as South Africa seeks to maintain momentum and spoil Bangladesh's farewell for their star player.