Bangladesh's overall record on South African territory was abysmal prior to their trip to South Africa in March 2022. However, the Tigers made history in South Africa after winning the ODI series against the Proteas national team last week. Now the Bangladesh team believes they have a realistic chance of winning the Test series against South Africa. However, certain players will have to bear extra duties during the contest. Take a look at the five players who might make a difference for Bangladesh in the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Five important Bangladesh players in the 2022 Test Series against South Africa
The Tigers Test team recently defeated the Blackcaps in New Zealand, and this outstanding performance has strengthened their confidence before the Test series against South Africa. Therefore, the Bangladesh team and its players must live up to high expectations. Here are five players who can make an impact on Bangladesh's performance in the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
Taskin Ahmed
Test Stats: M: 10 | Wkts: 23 | BBI: 4/82 | Ave: 56.73 | 4W: 2
Taskin Ahmed's Test bowling average is quite low, however, that does not reflect his current form with the ball. Taskin has improved as a fast bowler over the past three years and is currently Bangladesh's go-to bowler in all formats. In the just-concluded Bangladesh-South Africa ODI series, he was named player of the series after taking 8 wickets in three matches. Taskin is expected to torment the Proteas batters in the forthcoming Test series.
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Mominul Haque
Test Stats: M: 49 | Runs: 3,501 | HS: 181 | Ave: 41.18 | 100s: 11
Test captain, Mominul Haque has the best batting average among the Bangladesh batters, but his overseas record is poor. Mominul and a portion of the Bangladesh Test team have been working hard under the direction of Garry Kirsten in preparation for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. Hopefully, the Southpaw will display his actual talent in the longer-version format. Besides, Mominul has an added responsibility as captain to properly guide his team during the contest.
Tamim Iqbal
Test Stats: M: 64 | Runs: 4,788 | HS: 206 | Ave: 39.57 | 100s: 9
Tamim Iqbal will be critical in helping Bangladesh get off to a good start in the innings. He put up a strong performance in the third match of the ODI series, which will undoubtedly bolster his confidence heading into the Test series. If Tamim can play long innings, Bangladesh's chances of scoring a big total will improve.
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Mushfiqur Rahim
Test Stats: M: 78 | Runs: 4,873 | HS: 219* | Ave: 36.91 | 100s: 7
Mushfiqur Rahim is the heart of Bangladesh's middle order, and he must shoulder the bulk of the batting workload. Mushfiqur is on the verge of scoring 5,000 Test runs, and he may do so in Durban's opening match. The Bangladesh team will be hoping for a strong batting effort from the country's most seasoned international cricketer.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
Test Stats: M: 31 | Runs: 1,012 | HS: 103 | Ave: 20.24 | 100s: 1 | Wkts: 119 | BBI: 7/58 | Ave: 34.89 | 5W: 8
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be key for Bangladesh in the two-match Test series in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan. Miraz is a proven Test bowler who might pose a real threat to the Proteas batting line-up. In addition, Miarz is an effective lower-middle order batter. He has the ability to form important partnerships in the lower half of the order.
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Aftermath
Bangladesh lost ten of their twelve Test matches against South Africa, including six on South African territory. Given the statistics between the two teams, it is clear that South Africa have dominated Bangladesh in the longer-version format. However, the team Tigers has a realistic chance to improve their Test stats in the next two-match bilateral series against the Proteas. Because the series will not include a full-strength South African side. The visitors will have a shot at beating the hosts in front of their home crowds. Besides, Bangladesh can enhance their ICC Test Championship standings if they do well in the series.
However, Bangladesh's prospects in the series would decide how the players perform against the South African side. Players must be more accountable in their tasks in order to put pressure on the opponent, and senior members of the team will have to undertake additional duties. The collective efforts will determine the Bangladesh team outcome in the SA vs BAN Test series 2022.
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