'No Room to Take Bangladesh Lightly' — Proteas Cricketers Cautious Ahead of Full Series
The Bangladesh cricket team is in South Africa to play a full series. The tour includes 2 Tests, 3 One-Day Internationals and 3 T20 matches. Although the Proteas are well ahead of Bangladesh in terms of strength, the South African cricketers are taking a cautious view of the Tigers.
South Africa spinner Keshav Maharaj told SuperSport: 'Bangladesh are playing very good cricket. They are a team that always competes hard in white-ball cricket. Recently they drew a Test series against Australia, something they had not been able to do for a long time.'
Maharaj added: 'They have some excellent fast bowlers. Alongside them, some young cricketers are also coming through. Their batting has great balance as well.'
He also pointed to Bangladesh's spin strength: 'They have some world-class spinners too. They are not a team that can be taken lightly. In this Test Championship cycle, I don't think any team can be taken lightly, because there are many points at stake. The Bangladesh team is in transition, and they have also played a lot of cricket before coming here.'
South African bowling all-rounder Simon Harmer is also not taking the Tigers lightly. He said: 'Bangladesh have improved a lot as a team. They have some excellent bowlers in the side who can bowl really fast. Along with good spinners, they have some excellent batters too.'
Harmer said: 'This is going to be a very serious Test for us. Of all the Bangladesh teams we have faced, this one could be the toughest. I am sure none of us will take them lightly. We know what they are capable of.'
Aiden Markram is also quite cautious about Bangladesh. He said: 'They (Bangladesh) naturally play spin very well. They also have some excellent spinners in the team. Their batters are now proving that they can handle pace and bounce.'
Markram added that Bangladesh have excellent bowlers who can bowl fast and in good areas in pace-friendly conditions. He said: 'They proved it in Australia. I have no doubt they will come here with the same intention.'
