South African cricket coach Shukri Konrad on Monday named three spin bowlers in the 15-member squad to play two Tests in Bangladesh next month. The squad was announced on the same day it was confirmed that South Africa would play Test matches in Dhaka and Chittogram. The decision came after a security review by a South African delegation in the country — more than 200 people were killed in political protests in Bangladesh earlier this year. Left-arm spinner Senoran Muthousami was recalled to the squad for the first time since March 2023. He will be joined by fellow left-armer Keshav Maharaj and off-spinner Dan Pedt. Only three specialist sevens bowlers — Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Berger and Dan Pietersen — were selected along with sevens bowling all-rounder Wian Mulder.

Konrad said that he had discussed the situation in Bangladesh with South African Russell Domingo, who was Bangladesh’s head coach from 2019 to 2022.

“We are likely to play as many as three-seamers in Dhaka and Chittogram,” Conrad said.

“Kagiso, Nandre and Wiane are likely to be there as all-rounders at this stage, with Dan Patterson available if the conditions are right.”

Konrad said it is also likely that only two spinners will be in the starting line-up. “We are lucky that Keshav Maharaj can bowl a lot of overs but Senoran will be there as backup.”

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi was the only player dropped from the squad that beat the West Indies 1-0 in the Test series in the Caribbean in August.

Conrad said he believed South Africa would need to win five of their remaining six Tests in the current World Test Championship to qualify for next year’s finals in England.

After Bangladesh, they will play a two-match series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan during South Africa’s home season in December and January.

Conrad said he expected Bangladesh to provide tough opposition after beating Pakistan recently, while Sri Lanka were serious contenders for a place in the championship final.

“It’s encouraging for world cricket that it’s not just about the trio,” Conrad said.

“Bangladesh will be ready for the match, they have beaten Pakistan and are putting up tough opposition against India. This will be Shakib-ul-Hasan’s last series and they will want to send him off on a high but we will not spoil the party. Will try.”

The South African squad will assemble in Pretoria on October 12 and leave for Bangladesh on October 15.

South African Squad: Temba Bauma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Bretzke, Nandre Berger, Tony D’Zorzi, Kesho Maharaj, Aidan Markram, Wayan Mulder, Senoran Muthusamy, Dan Pietersen, Dan Pedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickleton () Verreynne (wkt ).

Fixtures:

First Test in Dhaka, October 21-25

29th October to 2nd November, 2nd Test at Chittagram

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)