Markram ruled out of third Test with wrist injury

Markram had registered a pair in the second Test at Pune, and is believed to have fractured his right wrist after he lashed out at a solid object following his second-innings dismissal.

"A CT scan of Aiden Markram's wrist showed a fracture involving the wrist bones," South Africa team doctor Hashendra Ramjee said on Thursday, 17 October. "The medical team has therefore ruled him out of the next Test match against India. Arrangements have been made for him to see a specialist on his return to South Africa for further management of the injury."

Markram had failed to produce a performance of note in the first Test too, managing just 5 and 39, after having scored a fluent century in the practice-game in the lead-up to the series. The 25-year-old took full responsibility for the situation.

"It's sad to be going home on this note and I completely understand what I've done wrong and take full accountability for it," said Markram. "It's unacceptable in a Proteas environment and to let the team down is what hurts me the most. I've learned a lot from this, and the other players, I'm sure, have learned from it as well.

"We understand in sport that emotions run high, and sometimes the frustration gets the better of you, as it did for me. But, like I said, it's no excuse. I've taken full responsibility for it, I have apologised to the team and, hopefully, I can make it up to them and the people of South Africa soon."

Markram's absence is likely to open up the doors for either of Zubyr Hamza or Heinrich Klaasen, who are the reserve batsmen in the squad. However, with both Hamza and Klassen being middle-order batsman, Temba Bavuma might be promoted to the opening slot – a position where he's batted only once in 38 Tests so far.

India currently lead the three-match series 2-0.