Conditions in South Africa, the reason for Nasir Hossain's omission

Bangladesh all-rounder Nasir Hossain has not been included in the 16-man Test squad that will fly to South Africa on 16th September. He has been in and out of the side frequently now and was also a part of the side which drew the series against Australia at home. However, the chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu has termed the conditions in South Africa, the reason for his omission.

The off-spinner performed decently in the recently concluded Test series against the team from down under. His contribution was not just with the ball, but he added valuable runs with coming in down the order, as he added 73 runs to the team’s total in the two Tests, 45 being his highest score. Nasir also bowled some economical overs in the middle when the regular spinners needed rest after long spells.

But the all-rounder was dropped from the touring squad which was announced on Monday for two Test matches against Proteas in their own den. The chief selector, however, explained the reason behind his omission from the squad for the tour. “We had considered Nasir Hossain in the Test against Australia because of the home condition. But in South Africa, everything will be totally different from that of here, so we have decided to omit Nasir from the squad,” he said.

Bangladesh’s real test

Everyone is aware of the fact that the Tigers are a strong unit at home or for that matter in Asia. But their record has always been poor when they travel outside Asia in seaming conditions. They haven’t produced quality pace bowlers for the longest format of the game. This time though, they have decent pacers in their ranks as they are travelling with as many as 5 fast bowlers.

Mustafizur Rahman displayed his prowess with the ball in the second Test and he will need a good support in South Africa from the other end. Also, it seems that Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the only specialist spinner in the playing eleven and Taijul Islam might have to warm the bench on the tour.