Bangladesh vs. South Africa, 2nd Test: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info

It's all square between Bangladesh and South Africa as the two teams head into the second and final Test on Thursday.

Date: Thursday, July 30 - Monday August 3

Time: 9:30 a.m. local / 3:30 a.m. GMT

Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh

Live stream and TV info: SuperSport (South Africa), BTV and Gazi TV (Bangladesh), TEN Sports (Pakistan), Star Sports (India)

Weather: According to AccuWeather.com, it's all doom and gloom on the weather front. Heavy rain and thundershowers are forecast for every single day. Prepare for some frustrating play stoppages or waiting around.

Overview

If the first Test between Bangladesh and South Africa was anything to go by, we could be in for a potentially intriguing five days when the next match begins in Mirpur on Thursday. The only thing standing in the way of an enthralling five days is the bad weather. Rain washed out two of the five days in the first Test and threatens to do the same this time around.

Still, that has not stopped South Africa’s bowling attack from champing at the bit. Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Morne Morkel said it’s time for the bowlers to step up:

"It’s one thing that we have discussed in our debrief, especially with the heat and humidity, we can’t afford to waste any deliveries. We need to be clearer and on the money with our plans to certain batsmen, make them play more, go for three dismissals instead of one.

"I enjoy bowling on the sub-continent because I don’t get as much bounce as I do in South Africa, so it brings me into play. It’s time for us to step it up and show why we are the No. 1 team in the world."

Bowling wasn’t South Africa’s biggest problem in the first Test or the ODIs, though. It’s the batsmen who have let them down, especially those considered senior players. In the first Test, just one player, Temba Bavuma, managed a half-century.

South Africa will need to ramp up the pressure if they are to get a good result from the second Test. With turning tracks and dodgy weather to contend with, the pressure is almost entirely on the visitors to make an impact.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, can be pleased as Punch with their efforts. Dismissing South Africa for under 250 in the first innings is not something many teams have done in recent years, so the hosts can take plenty of confidence into the second Test.

Barring injury, changes to the lineups are unlikely. For South Africa, changes would be too unconventional, and for Bangladesh, they're too disruptive. 

Key players

Bangladesh

It's early, but it's safe to say Bangladesh have unearthed a gem in Mustafizur Rahman. He is proving to be probing and irritating for batsmen and a fantastic Bangladesh asset, no matter the wicket.

South Africa

Dean Elgar's record on the subcontinent is impressive, and South Africa will need him to steer the ship at the top of the order, especially as the senior partner. The South African batsmen have been disappointing on this tour, and there's no better time to step up now that the pressure is on.

Squads

Bangladesh 

Imrul Kayes, Mohammad Shahid, Jubair Hossain, Litton Das, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Taijul Islam, Rubel Hossain, Mominul Haque, Mahmudullah, Soumya Sarkar, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan

South Africa 

Stiaan van Zyl, Morne Morkel, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Jean-Paul Duminy, Temba Bavuma, Dane Vilas, Dale Steyn, Aaron Phangiso, Kagiso Rabada, Reeza Hendricks, Simon Harmer, Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander, Faf du Plessis

All quotes obtained firsthand.