Aiden Markram in doubt for first Test against England
South African opening batsman Aiden Markram is still in doubt for the first Test against England, which will be played from December 26, 2019, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Markram sustained a wrist injury during the second Test in the tour of India, where the Proteas were whitewashed 3-0.
Going into the tour of India, Markram was one batsman under pressure to fire, particularly considering his poor numbers from previous appearances. However, things did not improve for him and registered a pair during the second Test match at Pune, and subsequently lashed out at a solid object, hurting his wrist in the process.
“The injury took place following the opener’s dismissal in the second innings of the Pune Test. In a moment of frustration with his own performance, he lashed out at a solid object, resulting in his injury,” a statement from Cricket South Africa read, reported SACricketMag.
The injury was further assessed by an orthopaedic surgeon last week, who put a cast around Markram’s wrist for six weeks. As a result, he has been ruled out of playing for the Paarl Rocks in the second edition of the Mzansi Super League campaign. Cape Cobras wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne has replaced him in the Rocks’ squad.
“I’ve learned a lot from this and the other players, I’m sure, have learned from it as well. We understand in sport that emotions run high and sometimes the frustration gets the better of you as it did for me, but like I said, it’s no excuse. I’ve taken full responsibility for it, I have apologised to the team and hopefully, I can make it up to them and the people of South Africa soon,” Markram said.
The 25-year-old will likely be given the chance to prove his fitness during the Titan’s four-day Franchise Series fixture against the Lions at the Wanderers in Johannesburg from 19 December.
