‘He’s a hell of a player’ - Shukri Conrad defends Aiden Markram amid poor form

South Africa international Aiden Markram is going through a rough patch. So much so, that former cricketer Herschelle Gibbs even advised the team management to drop the T20I captain from the playing XI during the four-match series against India. Markram’s form in the longest format hasn’t been great as well, scoring 279 runs in five matches in the ongoing calendar year.

Next up, South Africa are slated to play a two-match Test series against Bangladesh and it’s a good opportunity for the player to get some runs. The visitors have failed to make a mark in the last two series against India and New Zealand and playing in South Africa, they will be under immense pressure. In the meantime, Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad isn’t bothered about Markram’s form and questioned the criticism that has come his way.

“I don't know what the problem is or even why there is a conversation about Aiden. He’s the best opening batter in the country and he will continue to play and be a leader in the Test side. He is a hell of a player. He was a brilliant captain in Bangladesh, he’s part of the leadership group with Temba [Bavuma], Kesh [Maharaj] and KG [Rabada],” Conrad was quoted as saying by The Times Live.

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“I love the way he plays, you only need to look at his record since I took over: he made 100 and a 90 at home vs West Indies and he got another hundred against India [in Cape Town]. T20 cricket can be a fickle game. Maybe he’s trying too hard — and if a conversation were needed, I will check in with him. Maybe he can look to give himself a few extra balls [in Tests] rather than one or two balls before he gets stuck into the bowling attack,” Conrad said.

Conrad also reminded that Markram has done well for the team at home and expects him to deliver away from the known conditions as well. Notably, the all-rounder averages 43.80 at home and 40 in eight Test matches since Conrad took over the charge as head coach.