Aiden Markram Reveals Why He Relishes Facing Australia Ahead of Proteas Test Series

Proteas Test opener Aiden Markram says he enjoys playing against Australia and reiterates that South Africa’s batting unit needs to take responsibility to give the team the best chance of having a successful series as the first Test in Durban looms.

Playing Against Australia

For most part of the history of Test cricket, Australia have been an intimidating force all around the world. It did not matter where they toured or who they played against; the results were the same: pure Australian domination.

As a result, very few teams and players coped under the pressure of facing Australian Test teams.

However, there are those anomalies that tend to stand up to Australia and punch back, instead of sitting and taking the blows themselves.

Markram is one of the rare breeds. Don’t let the smile and friendly character deceive you; the 32-year-old is a serious competitor.

He averages 61 in five Tests against Australia, with three centuries, two of them here at home in South Africa during the 2018 series, and one at Lord’s during last year’s World Test Championship final.

Regardless of the batting position, his numbers are very impressive, let alone an opener who goes up against a fresh trio of quicks that have already cemented their places in the history books of Test cricket.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom, Markram revealed that he enjoys playing against Australia. 

“I’ve always enjoyed playing against Australia,” Markram told Sportsboom.co.za.

The 32-year-old expressed his excitement and determination to provide a solid foundation for the middle order during the upcoming three-match Test series that is scheduled to get underway in Durban on Friday.

“Two teams (SA and Australia) that are hugely competitive and have a very strong will to win, and because of that, I think it puts on a pretty good show and viewing of cricket,” he said.

“I’m excited for that. From my point of view, I want to get the team off to good starts and bat for as long as I can really and try to have a really good impact on the game and set games up for us so that our bowlers can do the rest.”

Responsibility For Batters

For the first time in a long time, South Africa’s batting unit looks a touch stronger than the bowling unit going into a Test series against Australia.

This is on the back of the hamstring pandemic that is currently running riot in South Africa, with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka and Ottneil Baartman having been victims.

As a result, going into the series, Markram and the rest of the batting group have a massive responsibility to set the game up for the team and take matters into their own hands.

Markram is aware of the job that lies ahead for them as batters and says they will have to carry the team given the slightly weakened bowling attack.

“If we're going to have a good series, the top order needs to pull up or at least show up and do their thing. We're quite excited by that,” said Markram.

“That's always the role, I guess, and what we want to do, but it doesn't always work out. Obviously, it's a good bowling attack that Australia has with a new ball." 

“We'll be challenged, but it's a challenge that excites us, and hopefully we can, again, put on a good show and get the team into some good positions.”

Bowling Duties

Markram bowled plenty of overs during South Africa’s 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia last week, as captain Temba Bavuma looked to exploit Australia’s issues against spin bowling.

During the World Test Championship final at Lord’s, Markram accounted for Steve Smith in the first innings, a feat that set the game up for South Africa.

With the upcoming Test series set to be staged on coastal wickets which tend to offer something for the spinners, Markram could play a role, especially given there are a number of left-handed batters in Australia’s batting order.

“I’ve no idea (that I will bowl in the Tests), to be honest. But if called upon, I'll make sure I'm ready. Test cricket especially, you never quite know when you might be needed,” he said. 

“But I suppose from a preparation and training point of view, I will leave no stone unturned, make sure I'm ready so that if Temba and the team need me on the day, I'll try to do a job for them," he concluded.