Aiden Markram hits an impressive ton on his return to whites for South Africa

South Africa cricketer Aiden Markram requires no introduction. Known for his exploits with the bat, Markram also wears a thinking cap and is more than handy with his intelligent off-spin. Markram’s return to the red-ball format is a good piece of news for the player himself and, of course, for the fans of his batting prowess across the globe. He did not disappoint his fans, as he scored a classy century (115) against West Indies, his sixth overall.

On February 28, he opened the innings with veteran opening batter Dean Elgar against West Indies in Centurion. Both openers were unbeaten till lunch with the scoreboard reading 99-0 in 28 overs. Markram continued hitting delightful shots to get to his sixth century. Markram playing for South Africa in Tests is such a delight. His strokes are pleasing to the eye.

Labelled as ‘chokers’, South Africa have earned notoriety for spilling crucial chances in the knock-out stages during major international cricketing events. More often than not, they play like champions till the semi-final stage, but then squander all advantage when the real moment arrives. On that count, Markram has a distinction as a leader. In a way, he is the first South Africa skipper to win a World Cup. Yes, at an age-group level.

In 2014, South Africa achieved glory when Markram led from the front and helped his country’s Under-19 team to win the coveted World Cup. As a true leader, he led by example. No wonder he was South Africa’s highest run-getter and third overall in the competition. That is exactly when the world started noticing Markram and validated his skill set and class. 

When Markram hits them, they stay hit. He is supremely gifted when it comes to timing the ball in any format. It is such a pity that he made his debut in Test cricket in September 2018, and has featured in only 34 Tests since. Some will definitely know that he has scored six centuries in the red-ball format. An innings of 152 runs against Australia in Johannesburg in March 2018 has to be an unforgettable one, as South Africa registered a thumping win in the Test by 492 runs. 

Markram partnered with Dean Elgar in the Johannesburg Test match, thus helping his side post a mammoth 488 runs on the board. No other batter from the Proteas camp scored a century in the first innings. Though the then skipper Faf du Plessis made 120 in the second innings to slam all doors shut for Australia’s recovery in that particular Test match. Australia required an improbable 612-run target in the fourth innings, which they expectedly failed to achieve.

Overall, Markram contributed 189 runs in that match as he followed up with 37 in his second innings. Markram had announced himself at the big stage. The South Africa batter scored another ton (143) against the mighty Aussies in the Durban Test in 2018. Markram’s other three centuries have come against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, versus Bangladesh in Bloemfontein, and against Zimbabwe in Gqeberha.

Then, after 2018, something else happened. A couple of ducks against India in Pune, and against Pakistan in Cape Town and Centurion meant that his place in the side started coming under the scanner. He had several low scores, thus raising doubts in the minds of the selectors.

One valid criticism against Markram has been the batter's lack of runs in challenging conditions on foreign tours and alien surfaces. However, it is difficult to not notice his talent, skill, and leadership skill. In 34 Tests, Markram has crossed the 2000-run mark laced with five centuries and nine fifties at an average of 35. His average will only better if he is persistent in his efforts.

In T20Is, Markram has scored 879 runs in 27 innings at a healthy strike rate of nearly 148. He is a reliable all-rounder in the shortest format. His record in the ODIs is not as impressive, though. He has made 1189 runs in 44 innings without a century against his name, he has stroked five fifties in the one-dayers. 

The classy batter last featured in whites against England at Manchester in August 2022. He must be aware that playing for one's country is the biggest honour for any cricketer. One can only hope that this time around Markram makes it count and cements his place in the Test side as well.

For now, his return to the red-ball format is a fantastic news.

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