'Toughest Bangladesh team we've faced': Harmer expects stern Tigers test

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As the hype builds ahead of Sunday’s first Test, a second contingent of Bangladesh players and officials touched down in Johannesburg early Thursday morning and immediately hit…

As the hype builds ahead of Sunday’s first Test, a second contingent of Bangladesh players and officials touched down in Johannesburg early Thursday morning and immediately hit the nets. Waiting for them is a South African side expecting a fierce contest.

The Tigers’ reputation in the longest format has swelled following their recent drawn Test series in Australia, highlighted by a famous victory in Darwin. The Proteas are also well aware of the visitors' pedigree in South African conditions, having surrendered the ODI series during Bangladesh's last tour after the Tigers bookended a Johannesburg defeat with victories at Centurion in 2022.

Despite Bangladesh slipping to fifth behind India in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings following a recent 1-0 home series defeat against the West Indies, South Africa's senior stars refuse to take them lightly.

Spinner Simon Harmer, who recently dismantled Australia in the third Test to clinch a series win, anticipates a grueling battle against an increasingly potent pace attack.

“I think that they've improved a hell of a lot. They've got some bowlers who can bowl serious heat, they got good spinners, and they got good batters, so it's going to be a serious test,” Harmer told SuperSport. “I think it's going to be the toughest Bangladesh team that we've come up against. I can tell you for sure that we won't be taking them lightly because we know what they bring to the table.”

Aiden Markram echoed those sentiments, noting the Tigers' evolution into a side equipped for the Highveld.

“Naturally always been good players of spin... and they're proving now they've got the batters that can handle pace and bounce, and they've got a really good bowling attack that can bowl quick and in good areas in pace-friendly conditions,” Markram said. “So, a much more well-rounded team, I feel, and the proof was Australia.

Fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj highlighted Bangladesh's newfound balance and the critical WTC points at stake.

“They've always…

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