Domingo admits 'uncertainty' prompted Bangladesh to bowl first in Test

Head coach Russell Domingo admitted on Thursday that Bangladesh's decision to bowl in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead was prompted by uncertainty about batting first in potentially difficult conditions.

Captain Mominul Haque decided to send South Africa in on a well-grassed pitch after winning the toss.

However, half-centuries by skipper Dean Elgar (67) and Temba Bavuma (53 not out) enabled South Africa to finish the first day with a slight advantage on 233 for four.

"Bangladesh are trying to find and improve their Test match cricket," said Domingo, a former South Africa head coach.

"There is still some uncertainty regarding batting on wickets that maybe offer a little bit of pace and bounce. It's something we're trying to address as a coaching team, to have the confidence that when it is tough and tricky to maybe be willing to front up and bat."

Domingo said statistics over the past 10 years only slightly favoured batting first. He said a green pitch and early cloud cover were factors in favour of Thursday's decision.

He admitted that Bangladesh bowled poorly in conceding 60 runs in 13 overs in the first hour at the start of a 113-run opening partnership between South African captain Elgar and Sarel Erwee, who made 41.

"It's a very inexperienced bowling attack," said Domingo.

"They were obviously a bit nervous and maybe excited and too eager to bowl on a wicket they thought would help them. But they were superb after lunch."

South Africa were 95 for no wicket at lunch but could add only 70 runs in 28 overs for the loss of three wickets between lunch and tea.

Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne steadied the innings with an unbeaten fifth wicket partnership of 53.

Bavuma, playing in his 50th Test, made 53 not out and