Dhaka: Bangladesh cricket Test side captain Mushfiqur Rahim hopeful of doing well against Proteas as he sought the Tigers' as balanced and improved team.

Mushfiq was talking to journalists at a press conference on Saturday morning at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur ahead of leaving the country for South Africa.

Mushfiq expressed his desire to do well in the South Africa and keep the consistency of their recent success in Tests format.

"It will tough to play there (South Africa) like all the other teams. But we are hopeful that this time we will do well comparing to our last tour in South Africa. We are now more balanced and improved team. If we can set our skills and execute it perfectly then surely as a team we will perform well," Mushfiq said.

Mushfiq also said that he would miss Shakib Al Hasan in the Test series as the World number one all-rounder has been granted a break by Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) from Test cricket.

"Absence of Shakib will be a big loss for us. In his place, we have to include an extra batsman and a bowler in the team. But it's not the first time we will be playing without him...So of course we will miss him but it will be a test for the rest of players to show that we can play well even without the best all-rounder in the world. I hope after the break he will comeback stronger," the captain added.

Shakib is voluntarily missing -- the first time for a Bangladesh player-- Test series as BCB has granted his appeal of a break from Test cricket. It will be the first time Shakib won't be part of the Test team since the series against West Indies in 2014.

Shakib who is one of the busiest players in the country's history, with T20 league commitments around the world, has so far played 51 Tests and missed seven since becoming a regular member of the side, including two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2013 due to an injury and two more against the West Indies in 2014 due to a suspension.

Bangladesh will start their campaign with a three-day tour match (September 21-23) against the South Africa Invitation XI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni.

They will play the first Test (September 28- October 2) at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, while the 2nd Test (October 6-10) at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Meanwhile, BCB chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu will act as the team manager of the Tigers for the tour of South Africa as Khaled Mahmud Sujon expressed his unwillingness to serve the job showing personal reason.

After the Test series, Bangladesh will play three ODIs on October 15, 18 and 22 respectively while two T20Is on October 26 and 29 against the hosts.

In their previous 10 Test meetings, Bangladesh drew in two games at home against the Proteas in July 15 and lost in eight occasions.

Bangladesh visited last in South Africa for two Tests and ODIs in November 2008.