test2wa

International Cricket

South Africa are looking to bounce back from their disappointing ODI series defeat in England when they take on Bangladesh.

They will square-off in a three-match one-day international series, which begins in Potchefstroom on Friday.

Following on from their 4-0 loss at the hands of Kevin Pietersen's side in September, the Proteas looked to promote some fresh faces into their team during the recent 2-0 series win against Kenya.

Johann Louw made his ODI debut in that series while Justin Ontong and Monde Zondeki, who had not played for South Africa in almost three years, earned recalls.

The added loss of Herschelle Gibbs due to a disciplinary incident on Thursday will also mean that there is one more place up for grabs with the tour to Australia looming large on the horizon.

Gibbs was sent home from the Proteas squad after breaking a team curfew following the 12-run win against Bangladesh in their rain-affected Twenty20 international in Johannesburg on Wednesday night.

The 34-year-old will also be required to attend an alcohol rehabilitation course.

Gibbs' heavy hitting will most likely be missed as the Proteas look to regain their form in the one-day game - traditionally their strong suit - and with this series their last preparation before they head Down Under, a number of factors will be under scrutiny in the three games.

Hashim Amla, who was used at the head of the order against England, has traditionally been regarded as a Test player, but with Gibbs gone he will get another chance to push his credentials for the one-day game.

Following their Twenty20 win against the Tigers, coach Mickey Arthur said he had some concerns about his side's batting.

"A couple of the batsmen were playing across the line to deliveries that they should never be playing to," Arthur said.

"It is a concern and something we are working on."

Arthur was not just worried with the batting, but believes his side are on the way to sorting out their bowling problems that plagued them in England, especially with quick Dale Steyn back from a mystery illness.

The 25-year-old had been bed-ridden with the virus for the best part of a month, during which he complained of severe headaches and lethargy.

But, with the illness having now passed, Arthur said Steyn was getting back to the fitness and form that helped him earn the ICC Test Player of the Year award in September.

"Dale is just a bundle of energy at the moment and we're expecting a lot of him," Arthur said.

"He is so motivated and we are sure he will play a vital role in the series. But we also need to sort out our bowling at the death because this is something we have been struggling with since the departure of guys like Shaun Pollock and Charl Langeveldt.

"But last night was good and a guy like Johann (Louw) put two very good overs in at the end with Dale to see the match out. It was a good effort."

Captain Graeme Smith will again be on the sidelines for the opener in Potchefstroom as he continued to nurse an elbow injury, although Arthur expects him to play some role in the series.

"Graeme's coming on unbelievably well," he said.

"Like anyone, he wants to be on the field and is getting a bit frustrated. You wont see him Friday but perhaps next week."

South Africa need to win the series 3-0 to keep their second place on the ICC's one-day rankings.