Keshav Maharaj Proteas

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Archives

REPORT: Proteas cruise to series sweep as Bangladesh give up the fight

Keshav Maharaj was the standout performer once again as the Proteas powered to a 332-run victory over Bangladesh in the second Test.

Keshav Maharaj Proteas

Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj. Photo: Archives

After Bangladesh’s historic 2-1 ODI series success over South Africa, they have proved to be no match for the Proteas in the longer format of the game, having lost the first Test by 220 runs before suffering another heavy defeat in the final tour match.

Bangladesh had been set a massive target of 413 to win the second Test after Maharaj scored a brilliant 84 in the first innings, but in very similar fashion to the first Test, the visitors then completely capitulated on the final day’s play.

After losing three quick wickets just before the close of play on Sunday, Maharaj continued to terrorise Bangladesh on Monday as he picked up seven wickets in the second innings (7-40), and once again led the Proteas to victory.

The veteran spinner has now become the first bowler to take seven wickets in the fourth innings of consecutive Tests.

This was ultimately a Test where South Africa dominated from the start to finish, and ends what was a pleasing summer of red-ball cricket.

You can check out the full second Test scoreboard here

Two Proteas players ruled out with Covid on Monday

Earlier in the day, the Proteas had learned that Sarel Erwee and Wiaan Mulder would no longer take part in the remainder of the second Test match after returning positive Covid-19 tests.

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Khaya Zondo replaced Erwee, making his Proteas Test debut (cap number 119) and Glenton Stuurman came in for Mulder.

The team invoked the Covid-19 substitution protocol that has been agreed between the two (CSA & Bangladesh Cricket Board) teams prior to the start of the tour, and in accordance with ICC protocols.

CSA Chief Medical Officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra said:

“This is an unfortunate situation, but not unexpected after the decision was made to have this tour under the Managed Event Environment (MEE) protocol, rather than the strict Bio-safe Environment (BSE) Protocol as was previously the case. This is in line with the country’s policy in revoking the Disaster Management Act with reference to the pandemic, as well the huge mental strain that a bubble environment induces.”

“The two players are currently in quarantine at the team hotel and are under the care of the team’s medical staff.”