South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad has described the upcoming Bangladesh Test series as the most important assignment of the summer, warning that the visitors’ fast bowlers could be dangerous on the Highveld.
The Proteas are heading into the series after beating Australia 2-1 at home, recovering from an opening defeat to win the next two Tests. But Conrad is keen to keep his players grounded before Bangladesh arrive for a two-match series beginning in Johannesburg on November 15.
“Every Test series becomes the biggest Test series and the next Test series is the biggest Test series of the summer,” Conrad said after South Africa’s series victory over Australia.
“Bangladesh are going to come here with quicks that can be very effective on the surfaces on the Highveld. Let’s not forget that they not so long ago beat Australia.”
Bangladesh’s recent Test results have been mixed. They drew against Afghanistan and suffered an innings defeat in the Mackay Test, but also secured a historic nine-wicket victory in Darwin. They are currently 1-0 down in their home series against West Indies, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Sylhet on November 5.
Conrad wants South Africa to take lessons from their Australia triumph and address areas that need improvement before facing Bangladesh.
“It’s critical for us that we take the good from here, look at where we can get better and make sure we hit the ground running against Bangladesh in a few weeks’ time,” he said.
South Africa won the second Test against Australia by an innings and 31 runs before sealing the series with a 176-run victory in Cape Town. The results strengthened their position in the World Test Championship race, but Conrad said he was not interested in making grand claims about his team’s standing.
“I still think there are one or two things that will make us the best version,” he said. “I wouldn’t have thought a couple of days ago that we’d stand here. In the same breath, I’m also not surprised because that lot have it in them to do amazing things.”
Bangladesh’s tour will feature two Tests, three one-day internationals and three T20 internationals, running from November 15 to December 13.
