I'm happy Shakib is not playing: Du Plessis

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis says that he is happy that Bangladesh's premier all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan is not playing the Test series.

Asked about the fact that the Tigers are missing an instrumental player like Shakib, du Plessis said: "That's a big loss for them. Shakib is a fantastic player. He has been top all rounder in world for quite some time.

"He is a senior player, and someone who performs well in different conditions. So it will be a huge loss for them. I am very happy that he will not play."

The South Africa skipper also gave his views on the chances of Bangladesh beating the Proteas at home.

Du Plessis reminded that the conditions in South Africa will be a different ball-game for the much-refined Tigers.

"As I am saying they are playing some really good cricket. They have beaten almost everyone who have gone to their country. But the condition will be different here. It should be a challenge for them to come and beat us."

The skipper warned that the Proteas will have to be on top of their game and that the team will not be taking any Bangladeshi player lightly.

"But for me, after enough cricket to understand, I believe if you are not on top of your game then the opposition will beat you.

"So we are preparing like we prepare ourselves against any other country.  We are not taking any Bangladeshi player lightly. We know we have to play well to beat them. If we play with our full potential in this conditions then it could be difficult for Bangladesh and similarly if Bangladesh play with their full potential and we don't then it will be good competition."