DHAKA: Eyebrows would not be raised were the Proteas to take a weakened ODI squad to Bangladesh, especially on the back of the hosts' poor results against big teams.

That, however, would be a mistake as Chandika Hathurusingha's charges have suddenly looked unbeatable, with sub-continental superpowers India and Pakistan suffering historic series defeats, despite fielding full-strength sides.

Bangladesh have tended to explode and dissipate with equal measure but they have now shown remarkable consistency not associated with the Tigers.

Former Proteas paceman and current South Africa’s Eastern Cricket coach André Nel said picking an under-strength side for the limited-overs leg would be asking for trouble and raise questions about South Africa's depth.

AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy will all make the trip for the three-match ODI series. But with no Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander, the bowling looks a little light, even though Ryan McLaren, Kyle Abbott and Morné Morkel will be leading the Proteas attack next month.

"They [Bangladesh] have a nice mix of slightly older and younger players who are gelling well, which is why it is a bit of a concern that we are taking a slightly weaker team to Bangladesh," Nel said.

"If they can beat South Africa and India in back-to-back series, that will prove how good they are. They've always been compared to Zimbabwe and they'll want to shrug that off."

The two T20 and three ODI series begins on July 5.

Source: timeslive.co.za

BDST: 1750 HRS, JUN 23, 2015
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