Filed under South Africa in Bangladesh 2008

During Shaun Pollock's last cricket series, I heard one commentator say "Team won't miss him now, but come sub-continent tour & Proteas would know how vital Pollock's presence was".

A cricket team that never had a world class spinner, South African trick for a win whenever they tour an asian nation = straight & accurate fast bowling. Shaun Pollock used to bowl maiden after maidens to create pressure while Jaques Kallis, Makhaya Ntini & other fast bowlers tempted Asian batsmen wide outside off-stump.

Now - there's no Pollock. he's retired so African cricket team is looking for a replacement. Dale Steyn is first answer. Morne Morkel is the back-up. Andre Nel is, as always, the JOKER to entertain the batters and Interestingly, South African selectors have included two spinners in their squad = Johan Botha (the off spinner) and Paul Harris (a left arm spinner). Strangely, south africans were also known for their all rounders but I only see Jacques Kallis in there.. where have all all rounders gone?

South Africa vs Bangladesh first test match starts 22nd February 2008 [full schedule]

South Africa test squad for Bangladesh tour (Feb-March) 2008
Graeme Smith ©	JP Duminy	Paul Harris
AB de Villiers	Niel McKenzie	Andre Nel
Ashwell Prince	Mark Boucher	Morne Morkel
Hashim Amla	Johan Botha	Mkhaya Ntini
Jaques Kallis		Dale Steyn

Notable Omissions is Herschelle Gibbs. the right handed opener had a bad test series against Windies at home, but he scored a 80 ball hundered in that ODI. going by experience Gibbs had, Proteas must have though twice before not including him which can also be due to Indian (Delhi) Police looking for the South African batsman in long gone match fixing cases of late nineties..!

South Africa squad for Bangladesh tour 2008

Scorecard : First test match : 2008 tour

Second test match : Chittagong : 1-4 March 2008