South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma has warned that Bangladesh’s bowling attack will pose a difficult challenge when the teams meet in a two-match Test series in South Africa in November. Speaking to TimesLIVE, Bavuma said he watched Bangladesh defeat Australia in the first Test and described the touring side’s bowling as strong. He specifically noted that handling pacers Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam would not be easy, despite home conditions for South Africa.

Bavuma said Bangladesh’s bowlers would keep his side alert throughout the contest. South Africa are preparing to defend the current World Test Championship trophy, and their captain also acknowledged the pressure associated with being at or near the top of the rankings. He said opposing teams would seek to test themselves against the number one side, making the management of that pressure South Africa’s biggest challenge.

South Africa will begin the Bangladesh series after completing a home series against Australia in October. The Proteas are currently second in the World Test Championship points table, while Bangladesh are fourth, making the November matches important for both teams. Bavuma said he generally avoids watching too much cricket away from matches and relies primarily on the team’s analysts for information on opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.