DHAKA, Oct 21, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bat first after winning the toss in the two-match series opening cricket Test against South Africa at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Jaker Ali Anik was handed a debut while opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and off-spinner Nayeem Hasan returned to squad as Bangladesh made three changes from its last Test against India.

Opener Zakir Hasan and pacer Khaled Ahmed were dropped while allrounder Shakib Al Hasan who was supposed to play his last test, made him unavailable due to a security threat.

Shakib, a former lawmaker from the Awami League government which was ousted following a student-led mass movement was advised not to return to the country.

"It (pitch) looks dry. It can happen in cricket, the way we played against Pakistan was impressive," Shanto told the broadcaster after the toss.

"We have experience and we are looking forward to playing in Mirpur. We know the conditions and hopefully we will do good. Most of the players are doing preparation since the India series."

Even though Shakib's void is tough to be filled, Shanto is hopeful that Mehidy Hasan Miraz will step up to make an impact.

South Africa have aimed to end its win-draught in the sub-continent after failing to win any of its 13 recent Tests.

"Obviously we would have liked to bat first, that's no secret. The preparation has been good and we have had a practice," South African stand-in captain Aiden Markram said.

 
Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Jaker Ali, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud

South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Ryan Rickelton, Matthew Breetzke, Kyle Verreynne, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Piedt