Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis impressed with Aiden Markram

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis is impressed with the newcomer Aiden Markram who will open their batting in the first Test against Bangladesh. The two-match Test series will commence from September 28 in Potchefstroom. South Africa is coming off a Test series loss against England whereas the visitors are high on confidence after levelling the series against Australia at home.

The Proteas have found it tough to find an able replacement for Graeme Smith and have tried quite a few players at the top. Stephen Cook and Heino Kuhn are the latest ones who failed to grab the opportunity and now they have put all their hopes on Markram to come good. They need to find a long-term replacement soon else they too might find it tough like England who is also struggling to replace Andrew Strauss for years now.

The time is perfect for him

Markram was with the squad in England but didn’t get the chance to play but he trained hard every time he was on the field. Du Plessis is impressed with his work ethic and also with his batting in the domestic match. The 22-year-old made 119 and 87 for the Titans in their drawn Sunfoil Series opener against the Dolphins last week. The Titans skipper will feature at the top of the order along with Dean Elgar.

Faf is extremely happy with the youngster and feels that the time is perfect for him to play the longest format of the game.

“I’m really impressed with him (Markram) at the moment. I watched him closely in England and I saw his work ethic was really good. To see him over the last four days and watch him do his thing with the bat was really impressive. I think the time is perfect for him to play Test cricket. He has got a really good head on his shoulders so we look forward to welcoming him in the Proteas team,” he said praising the young player.

Bangladesh is a dangerous and a fast-improving team the hosts would not want to make a mistake of taking them lightly. The series is expected to be highly competitive as one of the best Test teams is ready to take on the enthusiastic Tigers.