IND vs SA | Aiden Markram ruled out of Ranchi Test with fractured wrist

10/17/2019

South African opener Aiden Markram has been ruled out of the third and final Test in Ranchi with a fractured wrist, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Thursday. The opener, who had modest outings in both Vizag and Pune, is likely to be replaced by either Zubayr Hamza or Heinrich Klaasen.

After losing their lead spinner Keshav Maharaj to a shoulder injury, South Africa have been dealt with yet another injury blow as opener Aiden Markram has now been ruled out of the Ranchi Test owing to a fractured wrist. The injury means that South Africa would need to make significant changes to the top, with the most likely outcome being that of 24-year-old Zubayr Hamza coming into the team directly.

"A CT scan of Aiden Markram's wrist showed a fracture involving the wrist bones. The medical team has therefore ruled him out of the next Test match against India. Arrangements have been made for him to see a specialist on his return to South Africa for further management of the injury," South Africa team doctor Hashendra Ramjee said, reported Cricbuzz.

Markram is said to have sustained the injury after a show of frustration post his dismissal in the second innings in Pune, which saw him bag his second consecutive duck. Earlier this week, another cricketer, Mitchell Marsh, also sustained a similar injury by breaking his hand trying to smash it into the wall.

The 25-year-old opener sent out a statement apologizing for his actions, stating that he let his whole team down by not keeping his emotions in check. He also added that he will take full responsibility for his actions and that he will be focused on redeeming himself by making up to both the fans and the players.

"It's sad to be going home on this note and I completely understand what I've done wrong and take full accountability for it. It's unacceptable in a Proteas environment and to let the team down is what hurts me the most. I've learned a lot from this and the other players I'm sure, have learned from it as well," Markram said.

"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 apologized to the team and hopefully I can make it up to them and the people of South Africa soon," he added.

The third and the final Test will commence from October 19 in Ranchi.