Bangladesh's head coach Phil Simmons and players attend at a training session at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Monday, ahead of their 2nd Test match against South Africa today (Tuesday) — BCB Bangladesh are set to take on South Africa in the second Test on Tuesday in a bid to register a win after losing the series opener in Dhaka, report agencies.
This series is a part of the ongoing cycle of the ICC Test Championship.
Bangladesh made two changes to their squad ahead of this match. Taskin Ahmed and Jaker Ali were axed to pave the way for Khaled Ahmed and uncapped Mahidul Islam Ankan.
Mahidul replaced Jaker on Monday afternoon. He has suffered a concussion in the neck.
Bangladesh team physio Bayjedul Islam Khan said Jaker was advised not to play for now due to clinical reasons.
"He has a history of concussions and is still showing symptoms. Given his previous concussion record, recovery may take some time," Bayjedul said.
Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam said they are looking forward to winning this match.
South Africa have won all 15 Test encounters between the two sides and are eyeing a series clean sweep to propel them up the World Test Championship (WTC) table.
"We only have one goal -- to win this match," Taijul said, on the eve of the Test in Chattogram, on a traditionally batting-friendly wicket.
"Whether it's batting, bowling, or fielding, we have to play as a team", added the 32-year-old spinner, who took eight wickets in the first Test at Mirpur. Bangladesh have played 24 Tests in Chattogram but won just two with seven draws, their highest number at any venue.
South Africa are fifth in the WTC standings, with Bangladesh languishing at eighth.
"If we can form two-three partnerships, one or two batters can get centuries, or one or two players score fifties, we can have a bigger total", he said. While the team is eyeing a win, Bangladesh's captain Najmul Hossain Shanto informed the board that he will not continue as the captain following the upcoming Test.
But the board is yet to decide his future. A board official said they think there is a scope of discussion with the captain. In the first match, Bangladesh lost by seven wickets. Batters failed to offer any strong challenge to South Africa.
Taijul, the left-arm spinner, bagged eight wickets in the match with a five-for.
Chattogram wickets are helpful for the batters. Taijul said this match is an opportunity for the batters to come back to form, which may help them get confidence back for the future.
Kagiso Rabasa, left-arm pacer, was the star of the show for South Africa in Dhaka. He bagged nine wickets in the match.
Bangladesh played 24 Tests in Chattogram, with two wins and seven draws.
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