After winning the ODI series on South African soil, it’s expected the Bangladesh team to be in a good mood, however, talking to reporters on Tuesday, Tiger head coach Russell Domingo stated that this is a different format, where they need to improve.
Bangladesh have won in Test edition in New Zealand for the first time as Bangladesh beat New Zealand by 8 wickets in the first Test of their last Test series in January at Mount Maunganui.
The winning team sans experienced Tamim Iqbal or Shakib Al Hasan in that series. Tamim is playing this time but Shakib is not available in the first Test and also could miss the second Test due to family reasons.
“We are expecting a tough series against South Africa, The match is in their home ground. We drew the series in New Zealand, which is inspiring, the boys are playing well too. The Test team is also improving. The team is in balance. We brought hope here but I know the series will be difficult,” Domingo said.
South Africa will not have two star pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi in the ODI series as they are playing IPL. But Domingo has admitted that the Proteas will bring young talented pacers who could make difference in the match.
“Yet they have the depth of strength in the team. There are some good young players, especially in the pace department. They will be under a little pressure. Will want to secure their place in the team. While this is an added benefit for us but they will represent South Africa. That means they will come on the field with good players” he added.
The coach of the Bangladesh team also told the way to do well in the Test series, “The basics have to be right. Cricket is not something that anyone cannot understand. You have to make big runs, take catches and maintain discipline for five days”