Faf: Perfect time to blood Markram in Test cricket
South Africa captain Faf du Plessis believes it is the “perfect” opportunity to blood opening batsman Aiden Markram in the Test arena.
The 22-year-old Markram, who went on tour with the Proteas Test squad to England earlier this year, is set to make his debut in the longest format when the first Test against Bangladesh gets underway in Potchefstroom on Thursday.
Proteas skipper Du Plessis played alongside Markram for the Titans in a domestic four-day game this past weekend and was at the crease with his younger teammate when he went to a century in the first innings.
ALSO READ: Markram: I know that this is a very big opportunity
Markram notched up scores of 119 and 87 in front of new Proteas coach Ottis Gibson to make his case for Test selection.
Du Plessis said after the game at Centurion: “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.”
South Africa will play Bangladesh in a two-Test series with the second game set to be played in Bloemfontein from 6 October.
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.