Bangladesh series a daunting prospect for Arthur

TWO cricket Tests, both in a new series, start this week. And South Africa will have a big interest in both.

The build-up to South Africa’s first Test against Bangladesh, which starts in Bloemfontein tomorrow, has already raised questions about the efficacy of their preparations. There is also the possibility that the Proteas will lack focus on their task because they have one eye on the Aussies’ progress against New Zealand, in the series that starts on Thursday at the Gabba, in Brisbane.

The Proteas have made a habit of preparing poorly for Australia tours. In 2001-2002 they played Kenya and India in a one-sided triangular one-day tournament, while thrashing an under-strength India 1-0 in a home series. On their last visit to Australia, in 2005-2006, the Proteas did not play a single Test before the start. It is little wonder that the Bangladesh series sends shivers down spines.

Coach Mickey Arthur’s main concern will be the bowling. With the possible exception of Dale Steyn, the fast bowlers have shown a startling lack of control. Morne Morkel has been the main culprit. The team welcomes back Makhaya Ntini, who has been superb in first- class cricket , but Andre Nel’s injury has left the Proteas short of experienced fast bowlers.

It is vital that Monde Zondeki plays in one Test against Bangladesh, if not both, because he is the only back-up fast bowler in the squad. Zondeki showed in the Kenya ODI series that he is a rhythm bowler — he’ s more effective the more he bowls. The same can be said of spinner Paul Harris, who endured a difficult England tour. In batting, the Proteas should not be troubled.

Bangladesh go into the match on the back of, at best, an encouraging performance against a South African amateur XI. But it is unlikely that the Tigers will provide sustained resistance.

Meanwhile, the Australians will aim to start their post-India rehabilitation on a positive note against their Tasmanian neighbours when they meet in Brisbane on Thursday for a two-Test series.

Before the recent matches in India, Australia’s last series defeat was in the 2005 Ashes. They rallied from there to thrash the World XI, and also beat the Proteas 5-0 in the season’s six Tests. Granted, this is not the same Aussie team, but they do remain the No1 team in Test cricket. On Thursday, Zimbabwe take on Sri Lanka in a five-match one- day series. Sri Lanka intend to groom some youngsters, but it will be difficult for Zimbabwe, devoid of everything from player depth to adequate facilities, to assert themselves.

Heinz Schenk

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