Dhaka, November 2,  (V7N) – Bangladesh are set to face a barrage of extreme pace during their upcoming tour of South Africa, where they will play a two-match Test series as part of the World Test Championship (WTC).

South Africa announced their squad for the Bangladesh series on Monday, giving the visitors an early indication of the pace threat they will face. The hosts are brimming with confidence after defeating Australia 2-1 in a three-match Test series recently.

Anrich Nortje has returned to the South African squad after missing the final Test of the recent WTC series victory over Australia due to a groin injury. Nortje joins Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder and Corbin Bosch, further strengthening South Africa's pace-bowling resources.

Batters Tony de Zorzi, who missed the Australia series due to a hamstring injury, and Zubayr Hamza have also returned to the squad.

South Africa are currently second in the ICC World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 71.43, while Bangladesh occupy fifth place with 47.62 percent.

The last time the two sides met on South African soil, the Proteas secured a 2-0 series victory. South Africa are one of only two teams, alongside India, against whom Bangladesh are yet to win a Test match. However, Bangladesh have beaten South Africa in ODI series both at home and away.

Head coach Shukri Conrad is keen to carry forward the winning momentum that has helped South Africa reach the No. 1 position in the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings. However, he cautioned his side against underestimating Bangladesh, particularly their pace attack, which played a key role in the team's memorable victory on Australian soil.

"We know the threat Bangladesh pose and we expect their quicks to be very effective in Highveld conditions. In terms of our batting options, it's good to welcome Tony back following his recovery from injury, while Zubayr's inclusion gives us further depth to our top order," he said.

Following the Australia series, Bangladesh drew a Test against Afghanistan and lost another against the West Indies at home. They are now preparing for the second and final Test against the Caribbean side, which begins on Wednesday in Sylhet. After completing the Test, Bangladesh will fly to South Africa for the two-match series.

Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Marques Ackerman, Matthew Breetzke, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Zubayr Hamza, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton.

Series Schedule: First Test: November 15-19, Johannesburg; Second Test: November 23-27, Centurion.