Bangladesh's Liton Das participates in a practice session ahead of their first Test cricket match against South Africa at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on Sunday. — AFP

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto stated that his team is concentrating on the challenge posed by South Africa rather than the absence of their all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, as they prepare for the first Test in Mirpur on Monday. This two-Test series marks the first international cricket event in Bangladesh since a student-led revolution ousted autocratic leader Sheikh Hasina in August. The series contributes points towards the World Test Championship (WTC), with the final scheduled in England next year. South Africa currently ranks sixth in the standings, while Bangladesh is seventh.

Bangladesh has drafted uncapped left-arm spinner Hasan Murad to replace the retiring Shakib, who canceled his plans to return home due to security concerns. Shakib, 37, announced his retirement from international cricket last month but expressed a desire to play one final red-ball series at home. However, his former role as a lawmaker in the government overthrown by the revolution, and his association with Hasina, have made him a target of public ire.

"It would be a waste of time to dwell on this, as we cannot control it," Najmul told reporters on Sunday, the day before the match in Mirpur, near the capital Dhaka. "These two Tests are crucial for us... The players are preparing and focusing solely on cricket." South Africa's stand-in captain, Aiden Markram, acknowledged that the team was adjusting to the "nice, hot and sweaty" conditions in Dhaka but noted that the absence of Shakib provided little relief. "Ultimately, they still have a very strong squad, especially in their home conditions," Markram said.

Bangladesh's spin-friendly pitches will present an additional "exciting challenge," according to Markram. "Spin is a major talking point, particularly for us coming from South Africa," he said. "We don't experience conditions like this at home." Bangladesh will begin the series with interim coach Phil Simmons, after Chandika Hathurusingha was suspended last Tuesday for alleged misconduct, a charge he denies. Najmul described Simmons as a "great coach" but acknowledged that it would take time for the new system to settle in.

"He is trying to understand the environment inside the dressing room," Najmul said. "But he is new, and we also don't know him well. I hope we can adjust in the next few matches." The second Test will be held in the port city of Chittagong, also known as Chattogram, starting October 29.

Bangladesh squad: Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das, Jaker Ali, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad

South Africa squad: Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Nandre Burger, Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne

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