SA vs WI, Session Review: Aiden Markram's Surge Squeeze Runs In Second Session
Markram is batting at 97* at Tea on Day 1 (AP Photo)
The force named Aiden Markram has announced with a portable speaker in his hand that if backed well, he will be a superstar in the longest format as well. The right-handed opener is just three runs shy of a remarkable Test century; however, his ongoing knock told how frail this West Indies bowling is.
Dean Elgar may have got out while upper-cutting the red cherry. Pardon, half-heartedly upper-cutting the red cherry. But his partner just took charge and continued with his power-packed batting.
Tea on day 1 of the opening Test match between South Africa and West Indies. 107 runs were scored in the 25 overs, with West Indies getting the wicket of Dean Elgar.
At the start of the post-lunch session, South Africa were 99 without losing a wicket at lunch, but the former Proteas captain couldn't march well and was undone by an Alzarri Joseph delivery.
Truth be told, the Antiguan seemed the only bowler who could trouble the batter to some degree. Whereas the rest of the bowlers thus far have made schoolboy errors in the match.
After Elgar's dismissal, Tony de Zorzi - who is making his international debut - came to the crease against a helpless West Indies attack. Both the batters continued to time the ball well in the afternoon session, with South Africa just scoring runs for fun.
There were some concerns with the visitors' bowling as the pacers leaked runs, especially Shannon Gabriel, who struggled and also bowled four no-balls leaking 39 runs in 9 overs.
At the moment, Markram is batting with intent, latching on to every loose ball bowled by the Caribbeans. Even in the last over before Tea, he went for a glory hit which almost went over the ropes for a maximum.
Talking Points
- Despite getting a chance earlier in the innings, Dean Elgar threw his wicket to an Alzarri Joseph bumper. And unlike Aiden Markram, ardour was missing in Elgar's batting.
- The Windies may have plenty of bowling options; however, their skipper Kraigg Brathwaite has seemed clueless with his bowling changes and field placements.
Expectations
If they continued with the same zeal, the Proteas could break a few all-time records in their innings.
Brief Score
South Africa - 206-1 (53 overs)
Aiden Markram - 97* (149), Tony de Zorzi - 22* (58)
Alzarri Joseph - 1/35 (10)
 "Arjun Bhalla")
