In less than two weeks Bangladesh’s Tigers will come face to face with Protea Fire at Senwes Park in the first test of a highly anticipated test match series. Bangladesh have grown in leaps and bounds since they last tour to South Africa nine years ago and the team is buzzing after their recent test match victory over Australia on home soil. South African soil though is a different kettle of fish altogether and historically sub-continent teams have struggled.

Senwes Park may though be to Bangladesh’s liking as it is more spin friendly and offers better batting conditions than most pitches in the country. A competitive Bangladesh team will be the perfect test for South Africa under new coach Ottis Gibson. A fascinating contest awaits from 28 September – 2 October in Potchefstroom. Here are the Bangladesh players who will need to fire in South Africa:

1. Mushfiqur Rahim

The Bangladesh wicket-keeper batsman and captain may be short in stature but he makes up for his lack of height with a larger than life personality on the pitch. Rahim made his test debut in 2005 and in the past 12 years has grown in leaps and bounds as Bangladesh captain. Atest average of 35 and a high score of 200 showcases his immense talent. A real fighter and terrier who never gives up and toughs it out when the chips are down. Bangladesh will rely on him for middle order stability especially with Shakib Al Hasan taking a rest for the upcoming test. He also needs six more catches to reach the 100 mark in tests.

2. Tamim Iqbal

Tamim Iqbal burst onto the scene as a fiery left handed opening batsman in the mold of Sanath Jayasuriya, but has molded his game well to match the patience and poise needed for test cricket. Tamim has a test average close to 40 and will look to make a name for himself in South Africa. He has all the credentials to make big scores and will be one of Bangladesh’s main sources of runs.

3. Mahmudullah

Mahmudullah has been in and out of the test team of late and has big shoes to fill in the all-rounder role that Al Hasan has left open. Mahmudullah is more than capable and has been a big asset with the bat over the past few seasons. If he performs then Bangladesh will have better balance in the team. An experienced player who could lead by example in South Africa.

4. Taijul Islam

Bangladesh have been known to be a hotbed for left arm spin bowling talent since Mohammed Rafique first strode onto the scene in the late nineties and early 2000’s. Other such as Abdur Razzak have followed suit and now Taijul will want to make the spinner’s berth his own. He might not get as  much assistance as at home, but Taijul will still be a difficult prospect especially in SA’s known problems against left arm off spin. Taijul impressed in the recent series against Australia and will look to further his reputation in a fortnights time.

5. Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur’s first tour of South Africa promises to be a happy one, as the young left arm paceman will look to bring his left arm swing bowling skills to the party. He has a wide variety of cutters and variation in his bowling and could well be the dangerman against a SA side who have not been tested against quality left arm pace bowling of late. 17 test wickets at an average of 23.47 and economy rate of 2.94 justifies the hype surrounding this quick.

Bangladesh squad: 

Mushfiqur Rahim (capt), Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Imrul Kayes, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah, Liton Das, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Subashis Roy, Mominul Haque