Proteas Markram

Aiden Markram has continued to struggle at Test level. Ryan Wilkisky/Sports Inc

Is there a way back for Proteas’ Markram at Test level?

Aiden Markram’s continued struggles at Test level have placed a question mark over his Proteas future in red-ball cricket.

Proteas Markram

Aiden Markram has continued to struggle at Test level. Ryan Wilkisky/Sports Inc

The Proteas came into the third Test against England with the series level at 1-1, but there have been lingering concerns about the team’s batting strength, with Aiden Markram having been dropped after struggling to make an impact over the first two Tests.

Without injured Temba Bavuma, there has been a real vulnerability to the batting lineup, particularly considering experienced men such as Markram, Rassie van der Dussen and even Dean Elgar have been battling for runs. It can’t be forgotten that the explosive presence of Quinton de Kock down the order is also missed in red-ball cricket.

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In seamer-friendly conditions at The Oval, England ripped through South Africa’s batsmen on Saturday to bowl them out for just 118. Left with lots to do, the Proteas’ bowling unit once again did a remarkable rescue job to bowl England out for 158. That got South Africa right back into the game as England only led by 40 runs, but another horrific collapse saw the Proteas go from 83-1 to 169 all out, which effectively sealed the result in the favour of the hosts.

It was clear that the Proteas lacked experience in challenging batting conditions, and many have lamented Markram’s almost inexplicable inability to convert his talent into consistent run-scoring at Test level.

Back in 2021, Markram scored 108 against Pakistan in February and then compiled 60 against West Indies in June. Yet since then he has not scored a single half century from the past 15 innings, with a highest score of 42.

Markram’s average at Test level is now 34.05 after 33 matches and 60 innings.

He is still just 27-year-old, and Proteas red-ball captain Dean Elgar has reiterated his belief that Markram can still fight his way back into red-ball contention.

“I think Aiden still has a bright future in cricket, he just needs to get the numbers behind his belt. He needs to go back to the drawing board, he is still too young and too talented not to be playing this level of cricket,” said Elgar after the third Test against England.

“He is still hungry to play this format of cricket, but it’s about getting runs and that’s our currency, it speaks volumes for you.

“When he gets opportunities in the four-day game, he has got to nail it like he has done in the past when he was left out. And he got his opportunity, but he is too young and talented not to be playing.”

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*Let us know in the comments section whether you believe Markram can still make an impact as a Test batsmen

PROTEAS TEST SQUAD AGAINST ENGLAND 

Dean Elgar (captain, Titans), Sarel Erwee (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Marco Jansen (Warriors), Simon Harmer (Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Titans), Wiaan Mulder (Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Anrich Nortje (Warriors), Keegan Petersen (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kagiso Rabada (Lions), Ryan Rickelton (Lions), Lutho Sipamla (Lions), Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper, Western Province), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Glenton Stuurman (Warriors)  

South Africa tour to England

Tests 

17-21 August   

England lost to South Africa by an innings and 12 runs – Lord’s Cricket Ground, London   

25 – 29 August   

England beat South Africa by an innings and 85 runs – Old Trafford, Manchester   

8-12 September  

England won by nine wickets – The Oval, South London

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