Ryan cherishes the chance

Having played his last ODI in November 2014, South Africa pacer Ryan McLaren is hoping to make a good comeback in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh.

While the visitors did ace the T20I series with two fluent victories, McLaren though expects a tougher contest from the hosts in the three one-day internationals.

"We will have to see how the wicket is being prepared when compared to the T20s. I can't imagine it being very different. I think if we apply our ODI basics as consistently as we can, then we stand a good chance. But playing Bangladesh on their home turf is really tough," said McLaren after training at Mirpur yesterday.

After completing a 2-0 sweep, South Africa's T20 skipper Faf du Plessis had stated that playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) made it easier for a number of South Africans to play in the sub-continent.

McLaren, who has played for both the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, though had a slightly different opinion to share.

"I think the IPL conditions are slightly different to what it is here in Bangladesh. The wickets there are really good and sometime you don't get as much grip on the wicket there as you do here in Bangladesh. You have to adjust your skills with these conditions," said the South African.

"It will be a challenge how we cope with the different phases of the game," he added.

There will be quite a few changes to South Africa's ODI squad in the upcoming series. For one, their skipper AB de Villiers has been given a break. The series will also see the return of leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who was rested for the T20Is.

"You can never replace AB. He is a special player. He has been our leader for such a long time. Obviously he has been an incredible batsman over the years.

"But there are a couple of young faces to look forward to. Most of the guys have played in the WC, and I am sure the top six and seven can come together and score big totals," said McLaren.

"And Tahir has been our number one spinner in ODI cricket. He has done really well over the years. He is more experienced in these conditions as well. He will be vital for us in middle phases," he added.

On a personal front, McLaren is looking forward to playing for the Proteas again and excel in his first series in Bangladesh.