South Africa have brought back Senuran Muthusamy to the Test fold for the upcoming two-match tour of Bangladesh in October, reports Cricbuzz.
The all-rounder, who bowls left-arm orthodox., is part of a spin troika that includes Keshav Maharaj and Dane Piedt. Muthusamy has three Tests to his name, with the last of it coming in March 2023. In first-class cricket, Muthusamy has 247 wickets and nearly 5,000 runs at an average of 30.41.
Expectedly, Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack, with Nandre Burger, Dane Paterson and Wiaan Mulder also picked. Lungi Ngidi and Migael Pretorius are the only two from the squad in South Africa's previous Test assignment - against West Indies in July-August - to not be picked for Bangladesh.
South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad talked up the versatility and depth of the squad picked and backed the ability of his spin contingent which could be pivotal to the team's fortunes in Bangladesh.
"I want to firstly thank both boards, Cricket South Africa and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, for ensuring the series goes ahead. Bangladesh is always a tough place to tour. They've become a formidable side at home and we have to be prepared for the challenge that awaits us. We have therefore chosen a squad for the conditions we are expecting to greet us when we get there.
"We have three frontline spinners and all of them have the ability to step up at any time they are needed. This is a great chance for someone like Senuran, who has potential to make a mark with both bat and ball. We are really looking forward to seeing what he can offer," Conrad said.
South Africa's Bangladesh tour, which has now got an approval, begins on October 21 in Dhaka. The second Test - in Chattogram, will take place from November 2.
"Naturally it is relieving that international cricket is returning back to Bangladesh," Nazmul Abedin, BCB's director, told the online sports portal on Monday.
"Definitely ( there was a concern) but things are under control here and we understand that there is no big problem here. But there was a concern how the world is looking at us and now it is relieving as a fact considering outside world is also thinking that we are safe place to come.
"I hope other countries will also feel better about us and if we can conduct it well (the home series against South Africa) the other teams will also feel assured coming here," he added.
A security assessment was recently conducted by CSA's Operations Manager, Team Security Manager, Safety and Security Consultant, and a representative of the South African Cricketers' Association.
"CSA has given the series a go-ahead based on the recommendation made by the team post an in-loco inspection visit to Bangladesh," CSA said in a statement on Monday.
The Proteas Men will arrive in Dhaka on October 16, ahead of their first Test match against Bangladesh from October 21-25. After that, the team will travel to Chattogram for the second match, scheduled from 29 October to 02 November.
South Africa squad for Bangladesh Tests: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, and Kyle Verreynne
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