Aiden Markram the right-handed South African batsmen has been named the stand-in ODI captain for the current ODI series going on versus India.
Markram replaces the regular captain Faf Du Plessis who was yesterday announced to have been ruled out of the current ODI series as well as the upcoming T20 series versus India. A big blow to South Africa”s chances in the series as Faf is not just the captain but has been Southafrica”s highest run-getter in one day cricket in the recent past. Faf also scored a run a ball hundred in the last games at Kingsmead, Durban.
Allrounder Farhaan Behardein has been added to the squad along with wk keeper Heinrich Klaasen to fill up for both Faf Du Plessis and AB Devillers who was pre-series announced as to be missing the first half of it owing to his finger injury sustained during the last test versus India in Johannesburg, unfortunately the coincidence of the same injury has happened to Faf as well. Missing two of their best could be decisive for Southafrica”s fortunes in the series.
Aiden Markram has only played 2 ODIs so far but selectors have faith in his leadership abilities as he”s done the same role successfully with the U-19 side. He led Southafrica to a U-19 world cup win in 2014. As well his triumphs for his domestic franchise side Titans as a leader.
“As a little boy you dream of captaining your country one day,” Markram said on Saturday (February 3). “(It”s a) super humbling experience. What happened to Faf in Durban was a freak incident. I officially heard (about me becoming captain) first thing this morning. It”s something you can”t take for granted. I enjoy captaining and it”s gonna be an additional pressure to deal with. Hopefully, it”s a good pressure.
Congratulations to @AidzMarkram who has been appointed as stand-in captain for the remainder of the @Momentum_za series against India. All the best 👏👏 #SAvIND #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/BtoMvaEgmd
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 3, 2018
“I”ll keep sending messages to Faf on and off the field asking for advice. I”ll definitely consult senior players for the best interest of the side,” Markram said.
India currently lead the six-match series 1-0, after a win in the opening ODI in Durban.
