The South Africa team is all geared up to take on the challenge that spinners bring when they play Bangladesh in the opening Test that commences on Monday, October 21, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. Markram would lead the team as a captain in this match after he was given a break since Temba Bavuma had been ruled out due to a muscle strain on the right side of his triceps.

Spin Test For South Africa

The Proteas hardly have fared well in Test cricket in the subcontinent, losing 10 out of 14 matches since their last victory against Sri Lanka in Galle back in 2014. That would not discourage Markram who is optimistic about his team chances in the upcoming series. South Africa has an excellent Test history in Bangladesh where they have won four matches out of six against them, with three wins by innings margins.

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Positive Team Environment For South Africa

“Cricket preps have been going well. We had a nice campaign in South Africa before we came here. So we feel like we are in a good space as a team. Yes, obviously looking forward to the series,” Markram said in the pre-match press conference.

“For sure, spin obviously is a big talking point especially being from South Africa. We don’t get such conditions like this on home soil. It’s an exciting challenge for us to face, especially as a team that’s relatively young and doesn’t play too many Test matches,” Markram said.

A Great Opportunity To Learn About New Conditions

“It’s just an exciting thing as a player to be exposed to new conditions and learn most of the stuff that we love and take the lessons with us. Looking forward to the next Test match and also into the future sub-continent tours. It’s a fantastic opportunity for us as a team and like I have mentioned we are thoroughly looking forward to it,” Markram added.

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The first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa is all set to start from October 21.