Markram set for Test debut
Aiden Markram’s highly-anticipated debut for South Africa could come against Bangladesh in the opening game of the two-Test series at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom from September 28.
The 22-year-old, who guided South Africa to an ICC Under-19 World Cup triumph in 2014, has been a mainstay at the top of Titan’s batting order since making his first-class debut in 2014. He has featured in 33 first-class games and scored 2144 runs at 42.03 and averages 41.95 from 26 List A matches.
Markram featured in South Africa’s squad during the England tour, but he did not get a game there. Markram was initially included in the squad as cover for Faf du Plessis, who missed the first Test because of the birth of his child. He was due to head home after du Plessis's return but was retained, though, South Africa picked Heino Kuhn ahead of Markram for the series.
Markram is expected to join Dean Elgar at the top, and the hope is that the youngster’s inclusion will solve South Africa’s top order troubles. While Elgar has been a picture of consistency, he has gone through several opening partners, including Stephen Cook, Theunis de Bruyn and Kuhn. Kuhn was persisted with for all four Tests in England, but he made only 113 runs at 14.12, before picking up an injury in the final Test.
“Aiden has been knocking on the door for some time now,” said Linda Zondi, the CSA National Selection Panel Convener, in a release on Friday. “He gained valuable insight into the Proteas team culture during the tour of England and he has shown maturity beyond his years, having captained South Africa to victory in the Under-19 World Cup and as captain of the South Africa A four-day side.”
The other uncapped played player in the 13-member squad is Andile Phehlukwayo. The paceman featured in South Africa’s ODI squad in the preceding series against England and did a good job with the new ball.
Wayne Parnell, who last played a Test for South Africa in January this year, has been recalled after Vernon Philander, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn were all ruled out due to injuries. The pace unit now features Parnell, Andile, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier.
“The inclusion of Andile and Wayne provides the necessary allrounders to give options as concerns the balance of the starting XI,” said Zondi. “The selection of some younger players is part of the process to build for the future and at the same time maintain our hard core of experience.”
Wiaan Mulder, the 19-year-old a medium pacer, will join the squad as cover for Parnell, who is set to undergo a fitness test next week.
The squad has been named only for the first Test, and it’s likely that Philander will return for the second game in Bloemfontein from October 6.
Squad for first Test: Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada.
