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Bloem pitch will please fast bowlers

Cape Town - The pitch for the second Test between South Africa and Bangladesh in Bloemfontein will provide some assistance for the fast bowlers.

This assurance was given by the Manguang Oval’s groundsman, Nico Pretorius.

“The pitch here will definitely have something in it for the fast bowlers," Pretorius told Netwerk24.

Pretorius said he was reluctant to roll the pitch too much because there was not as much grass cover as there would be with more rainfall later in the season.

The news will be welcomed by the Proteas, after captain Faf du Plessis had expressed his disappointment at the pitch for last week’s first Test in Potchefstroom.

According to Du Plessis, there was not enough bounce in the pitch at Senwes Park.

"I was really disappointed with the conditions. They were not what we asked for. Hopefully there will be a bit more grass on the pitch in Bloemfontein,” Du Plessis said.

"I have always been a guy that's very honest in reflection. If it was a good wicket, I praise and I give credit.

"But conditions-wise when you play countries like Bangladesh, it is important that you try and make sure whatever you get from the wicket gives your team some sort of advantage.

"There wasn't much advantage for any team in these conditions. The good thing was that the groundsman said the wicket won't spin and for three-and-a-half days or probably four days, the wicket didn't spin off the straight so that was pleasing to see. We got that right."

Despite this, the Proteas still managed to win the first Test by 333 runs.

The second and final Test starts in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Following the Test series, the Proteas will also play three ODIs and two T20Is against Bangladesh.

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