Aiden Markram Set to Rejoin South Africa Ahead of Second Test

Cricket South Africa are hopeful of having one of their most reliable batters, Aiden Markram, available for the second Test. The right-handed batter did not travel with the team to Gqeberha after the Durban Test due to personal reasons and also missed two consecutive training sessions at St George’s Park. However, he is expected to rejoin the squad before the start of the second Test.

Markram, who was South Africa’s standout performer in Durban, is expected to arrive in Gqeberha on Friday night. He could take part in the team’s optional training session on Saturday and may feature in the playing XI for the second Test, which begins on Sunday.

In Markram’s absence, David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen were seen practising slip catching during the initial training sessions, while spinner Simon Harmer also took catches at second slip. Meanwhile, Ryan Rickelton, who earned a place in the playing XI in place of wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, spent an extended period working on his fitness and wicketkeeping skills.

Rickelton could be moved down the batting order, while Tristan Stubbs is likely to be dropped. Matthew Breetzke and Marques Ackerman are among the leading contenders to replace them in the playing XI. Both batters spent considerable time in the nets, facing deliveries from South Africa’s likely pace attack of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Mulder and Jansen.

Depending on the pitch conditions, South Africa could take the field with just one specialist spinner. Although Simon Harmer has been practising fielding at second slip, it remains uncertain whether he is ahead of Keshav Maharaj in the selection race. Spin-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy is also being considered by the team management.

During the first Test, Markram received treatment from the team physiotherapist on the field after experiencing discomfort in his shoulder. He had also taken breaks from The Hundred and the first ODI match in recent times for personal reasons. However, the board has confirmed that his fitness issue during the Durban Test was only a muscle strain. He has fully recovered and is ready to feature in the upcoming second Test as well as the remainder of the series.