Mominul Haque, Bangladesh Captain:
We didn’t perform with the bat and ball collectively as a team, unlike South Africa. Congratulations to them. It is disappointing but we have to move forward. (On the team’s batting troubles) It was mainly due to not building partnerships be it with bat or ball. We’d build pressure on one end but would let it be released at the other, and we have to capitalize (on starts) and build better partnerships.
(On preparations, focusing on pace and turning up to find spin-friendly conditions) No, because the opposition will also have to play in the same conditions and in international cricket, you have to absorb pressure and play regardless of conditions. No excuses on that. (On future) We have to play with the process as our focus, not the results which we have done here. The ODI series win was a positive, pity we couldn’t win the tests.
Keshav Maharaj is the Player of the Match and the Series (9 wickets in the match, 16 for the series. He made 84 in the first innings) as well:
Really happy that the team crossed the line. The conditions were difficult and did not suit us, but credit to the team for responding well in all disciplines. Dean did a great job in leading the team. (On personal performance) After not picking wickets in the first innings at Durban, Dean and the coach had a chat and said, ‘you’re doing the right things. Your time will come, there could be a situation in the second innings where you go and take wickets’ and I haven’t looked back since then.
(On conditions and the difference in this series) I’ve repeated my processes from the past. In domestic and international cricket, a few minor tweaks here and there, just trying to replicate what I’m doing. In cricket, you can be on top and not get rewards or the other way around, I’m happy to be getting the reward. (On getting to the150 wickets milestone) It was passed on to me, but I don’t look at them.
Maybe I will at the end of my career reflect on the impact. (On Simon and his support) He’s done an exceptional job and has returned to international cricket after a while and under pressure, he showed why he’s a world-class performer and his growth. Really happy and pleased for him, I know there will be a time he will get a lot more rewards. I tried to show some positive intent and got the ball in the middle of the bat, obviously a bit disappointed not to get over the line. Hopefully, in the future, I manage to get to the landmark.
Dean Elgar, South Africa Captain:
It has been a good last few months since I have taken over the captaincy. Obviously playing this series as people say a weakened squad, but I don’t see it like that. I see giving guys an opportunity at this level and trying to test their skills as international cricketers. Extremely happy with how the guys pitched for the last two Tests, lot of tough styles of plays had to be implemented and something I am not familiar with.
Nonetheless, it was good to try those things out even when you’re playing good cricket. The biggest thing for them was to trust the process, Keshav and Simon. Keshav will always be my number one spinner, but it was about them trusting my thought and process. Luckily the conditions we played in assisted that. But yeah what a combination that is! Great to see two guys go about their business at the highest level.
We have a good core of spin bowlers in this squad and they have started their off-season. It is good to have Keshav and Simon as the reference point going forward. There’s still hard work to go by as Test cricket is a tough arena and has to come up with certain game plans. (On what pleased the most this series) The attitude of the younger guys coming through runs from the lower order and I would also say guys putting their hands up and putting pressure on guys who are not here. It’s a great headache, selection-wise. If you have a lot of options then you give yourself the best chance to win a series at home and away.
Bangladesh vs South Africa 2nd Test Highlights today, Monday 11-4-2022. 2nd Test, Bangladesh tour of South Africa from St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth.
Toss: South Africa chose to bat.
Bangladesh team: Tamim Iqbal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mominul Haque(c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das(w), Yasir Ali, Mehidy Hasan, Taijul Islam, Khaled Ahmed, Ebadot Hossain.
South Africa team: 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Sarel Erwee, 3 Kegan Petersen, 4 Temba Bavuma, 5 Ryan Rickleton, 6 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Simon Harmer, 10 Lizaad Williams, 11 Duanne Olivier.
Form guide
(Last five completed matches; most recent first)
Bangladesh: LLWLL
South Africa: WWLWW
Match Timings: 08:00 GMT | 10:00 Local
Umpires – Allahudien Paleker, Marais Erasmus
TV Umpires – Adrian Holdstock
Match Referee – Andy Pycroft
Reserve Umpire – Bongani Jele
Match number – Test no. 2461
