Tigers face mighty Proteas in first Test today

CHITTAGONG, July 20 (BSS): After winning the ODI series motivated Bangladesh embark on a new mission as they face mighty South Africa in the first Test of National Polymar two-match Test series scheduled to be held tomorrow (Tuesday) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Private satellite channel Gazi TV telecast the match live that kicks off at 9.30 am.
In eight previous Tests between the two sides, South Africa have beaten Bangladesh seven times by an innings and once by five wickets inside four days. That record does not inspire confidence in a contest during the upcoming two-Test series, but Bangladesh's recent limited-overs successes have created a sense of anticipation, source cricket website.
After losing the two T20Is and the first ODI, Bangladesh bounced back to win the one-day series against South Africa with commanding victories in the last two games. Though their leadership is different in Tests--- the ODI captain Mashrafe Mortaza does not play Tests--- Mushfiqur Rahim's side will include several of their short-form successes.
Batsman Soumya Sarkar played Bangladesh's last three Tests--- against Pakistan and India--- on the back of his limited-overs exploits, and now seamer Mustafizur Rahman is set to have a first taste of Test cricket after an exception start to his ODI career. Mustafizur will be expected to provide a much-needed edge to a lackluster bowling line-up. Rubel Hossain and Mohammad Shahid are the other pace bowlers in contention but Bangladesh are likely to play two at most. Spin will also be the key with Shakib Al Hasan, Taijul Islam and Jubair Hossain forming the attack.
South Africa do not have AB de Villiers, so they are increasingly dependent on captain Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy. These three will be expected to hold the batting line-up together, with Dean Elger and Reeza Hendricks at the top. The spinner could either be Simon Harmer or Aaron Phangiso while the pace attack will comprise Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander. Except for Philander, the rest have been in good Test form.
Bangladesh will reply on the experience of Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes and Shakib, and hope they combine effectively with the youth of Mominul Haque and Soumya to counter a dangerous bowling attack.
Bangladesh (possible): Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim (captain), Shakib Al Hasan , Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Litton Das (wicket keeper), Taijul Islam, Jubair Hossain/Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain.
South Africa (possible): Reeza Hendricks, Dean Elgar, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla (captain), JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock (wicket keeper), Stiaan van Zyl, Vernon Philander, Simon Harmer/Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.