Nayeem or Mahfizul alongside Tamim? Shanto keeps Johannesburg Test XI secret

Sadman Islam was injured while fielding in the Sylhet Test against the West Indies. The injury has ruled him out for a long period.

Nayeem Sheikh has returned to the squad as Sadman's replacement for the South Africa series. Mahfizul Islam Robin has also been called into the national squad for the first time.

Bangladesh and South Africa meet in the first Test in Johannesburg on Sunday at 2pm Bangladesh time.

At the press conference the day before the match, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto spoke about the pitch, the bowling plan, the batting challenge and the likely XI. But he kept the mystery over who will open with Tanzid Tamim.

Praising Mahfizul, Shanto said the way he has performed in first-class cricket makes his place in this squad deserved. Nayeem Sheikh has also come in, and he has been doing well in first-class cricket for the past few years.

Shanto said both are in good form and good touch. The team knows who will play, but that will stay within the team for now.

Pitches in South Africa have always offered extra help to pacers, and Johannesburg is unlikely to be an exception. Bangladesh therefore plan a pace-heavy bowling attack.

Shanto indicated the XI could include three pacers and one specialist spinner. He said three pacers will definitely play and a spinner should also be there, noting that spinners contributed well in Australia too, especially Miraz. The team may go with that combination, but there is another day and the pitch will be looked at again in the morning before a decision.

Shanto also reminded the pacers of their extra responsibility in these conditions. He said the pace bowlers will get some help here, the spinners have experience of bowling in such conditions, the pacers will carry a bit more responsibility, and if the spinners can support them, the team can deliver a good match.