INDIA TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA, 2018

Markram to lead South Africa in remainder of India ODI series

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

Markram will lead the South Africa side in just his third ODI © Getty

Batsman Aiden Markram has been named South Africa's skipper for the remainder of the ODI series against India. This comes after Francois du Plessis was ruled out of the series with a finger injury, having suffered the injury in the first ODI while fielding. The captain for the succeeding T20I series, though, is yet to be decided.

"Part of our plan is to make sure we look at our vision 2019 and also making sure that part of our plan is to develop young leaders in view of the post-2019 plans. I think Aiden fit in," Linda Zondi, South Africa's convener of selectors, said.

Markram has only played two ODIs for South Africa, but finds himself thrust with the responsibility of leading the side in the absence of du Plessis and AB de Villiers, who has been ruled out of at least the first three ODIs.

Markram, however, has experience as a captain having led South Africa to victory in the Under-19 World Cup in 2014, as well as leading local side Titans this season.

"We are aware that Markram is new to our set-up. Part of our plan is to also build that pool of leasers within the set-up. I think Markram has always been in our plans since he was U-19 captain, leading up to SA A, and now joining the Proteas. Yes, there will be pressure in terms of him maybe understanding his role and also being able to perform as a player. For us, we want to see if he can handle pressure. Because part of leadership is to be able to adjust and perform under pressure," Zondi added.

"His awareness of the game, his confidence when making decisions. To lead senior guys, it is always challenging when you are a young guy and you have to make decisions. He is the kind of guy, in our opinion, who is willing to open himself to advice. He has got that supporting structure around the team at the moment. We have got Hashim, Amla and JP [Duminy]. Guys who are going to be here. Captaincy is a special skill. You don't just wake up one morning and become a captain. He has been there, he has done that, it is a matter of us giving him an opportunity."

Speaking about the appointment, Markram said it was a dream come true. He also added that he would be more than happy to take the advice of the seniors in the team while making decisions.

"It's a big honour. Obviously, as a little boy you grow up and you want to captain your country one day," Markram said on Saturday (February 3). "Unfortunately for the team's sake, Faf misses out. It's a big loss to the side. But then the selectors showing confidence in me to take over, it means quite a bit. It's a super humbling experience, but yes, we're going to need to do this for Faf, I believe. What happened to Faf in Durban was a freak incident. Last night, I got the gist of it, that it was probably leading towards me to take the team forward for the rest of the series. I officially heard it first thing this morning. I think it's something that you can't take for granted. I really enjoy captaining, but it's an unexpected thing."

"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.

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