Aiden Markram impressed with Virat Kohli's good values

The second Test at Centurion kicked off amidst much anticipation. After suffering a loss in the series opener, the Virat Kohli led side aimed to go all guns blazing at the hosts. With a couple of interesting additions to bolster the squad, it was a perfect setting to establish their dominion over the match.

However, that was not to be as the Protea openers dominated the opening session of the first day. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram put on a formidable partnership in the middle which ensured South Africa didn’t lose a wicket in the first session. Despite losing two in the post-lunch session, the Proteas held the upper hand. They dominated the first 80 overs of the game with ease

Aiden Markram, the youngster from Centurion, fell agonizingly short of a well-deserved hundred by 6 runs. But he looked in sublime form and played a clinical role to provide a foundation for the rest of the team to build a huge total.

The 23-year-old was eventually dismissed by Ravi Ashwin but the Indian skipper made sure to laud the youngster amidst all the Indian jubilation. Kohli walked up to him and said, “Well played, you were unlucky to get out.”

Honoured by the gesture, Markram made sure to appreciate Kohli’s efforts. After the day’s play, he told reporters, “He (Kohli) is a massive competitor as everyone sees on the TV, but it’s great to see that he has got good values that people off the field might not see. It was a great gesture and it meant a lot.”

Match Details

A day that started on a gloomy note under the scorching sun, finished on a brighter note for India who managed to grab a few crucial scalps. The hosts dominated the first 80 overs of the game with ease but, in the final 10 overs, the visitors finished the day on a high, which indeed was surprising.

Currently, India is looking comfortable with the duo of Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay in the response to the hosts’ total of 335.

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