Markram: Short bowling never easy to face

Cricket365
October 6, 2017

Proteas’ openers Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar looked largely untroubled throughout the first day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein.

Despite this Markram said that the short-pitched bowling of the opposing fast bowlers tested his abilities.

The Proteas put in a dominant display to end day one on 428 for 3.

Speaking after notching a maiden Test century at the Manguang Oval Markram said: “They were at us quite a bit. The score says they didn’t bowl that well. I don’t think that’s the case. It’s a quick outfield and all of that reflected in the score.

“They had a plan to bowl short. As comfortable as you can be on the short ball, it’s never a great thing to keep facing. They bowled with great energy, good intensity.”

Markram is eager to take lessons from the Test arena back to his franchise game where he was recently appointed four-day skipper.

The Titans captain said: “I am still a young guy and I have never been one to stamp my authority on environments. But I will take what I have learnt and share it with the guys.”

Markram narrowly missed out on a debut hundred in the first game of the series when he was run out on 97 trying to get opening partner Elgar to his own ton.

The former Under-19 skipper says the achievement hasn’t quite hit home just yet but spoke of the extra focus he displayed in the 90s this time around.

He went on: “It hasn’t quite hit home yet. I think it will at some stage tonight. It’s quite a proud moment for me, especially after last week.

“Today I had a little bit of extra focus in the 90s. Dean was with me. And he said it’s a special moment to have shared with me. It was nice for him to have been at the other end.”