Is there a way back for Proteas’ Markram at Test level?

The Proteas got here into the third Test in opposition to England with the collection degree at 1-1, however there have been lingering issues concerning the staff’s batting energy, with Aiden Markram having been dropped after struggling to make an affect over the primary two Tests.

Without injured Temba Bavuma, there has been a actual vulnerability to the batting lineup, notably contemplating skilled males akin to Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and even Dean Elgar have been battling for runs. It can’t be forgotten that the explosive presence of Quinton de Kock down the order can be missed in red-ball cricket.

ALSO READ | PROTEAS WHITE-BALL DATES, FIXTURES FOR INDIA TOUR CONFIRMED

In seamer-friendly circumstances at The Oval, England ripped by South Africa’s batsmen on Saturday to bowl them out for simply 118. Left with tons to do, the Proteas’ bowling unit as soon as once more did a outstanding rescue job to bowl England out for 158. That acquired South Africa proper back into the sport as England solely led by 40 runs, however one other horrific collapse noticed the Proteas go from 83-1 to 169 all out, which successfully sealed the consequence within the favour of the hosts.

It was clear that the Proteas lacked expertise in difficult batting circumstances, and plenty of have lamented Markram’s nearly inexplicable lack of ability to transform his expertise into constant run-scoring at Test degree.

Back in 2021, Markram scored 108 in opposition to Pakistan in February after which compiled 60 in opposition to West Indies in June. Yet since then he has not scored a single half century from the previous 15 innings, with a highest rating of 42.

Markram’s average at Test level is now 34.05 after 33 matches and 60 innings.

He continues to be simply 27-year-old, and Proteas red-ball captain Dean Elgar has reiterated his perception that Markram can nonetheless battle his way back into red-ball rivalry.

“I think Aiden still has a bright future in cricket, he just needs to get the numbers behind his belt. He needs to go back to the drawing board, he is still too young and too talented not to be playing this level of cricket,” mentioned Elgar after the third Test in opposition to England.

“He is still hungry to play this format of cricket, but it’s about getting runs and that’s our currency, it speaks volumes for you.

“When he gets opportunities in the four-day game, he has got to nail it like he has done in the past when he was left out. And he got his opportunity, but he is too young and talented not to be playing.”

WATCH | ‘GOD SAVE THE KING’ – FIRST RENDITION IN 70 YEARS

*Let us know within the feedback part whether or not you consider Markram can nonetheless make an affect as a Test batsmen

PROTEAS TEST SQUAD AGAINST ENGLAND 

Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Simon Harmer (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Western Province), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors)  

South Africa tour to England

Tests 

17-21 August   

England misplaced to South Africa by an innings and 12 runs – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London   

25 – 29 August   

England beat South Africa by an innings and 85 runs – Old Trafford, Manchester   

8-12 September  

England received by 9 wickets – The Oval, South London

READ | QUINTON DE KOCK SIGNED BY DURBAN CSA T20 LEAGUE FRANCHISE

Source link