Off form Aiden Markram likely to be dropped by Proteas for second Test against New Zealand

Johannesburg — The axe is likely to fall on Aiden Markram as the Proteas ponder the outcome of the first Test against New Zealand which finished at lunchtime on the third day in Christchurch.

Markram made 15 and two in the first Test, which South Africa lost by an innings and 276 runs on Saturday. While there was little about South Africa’s batting that was redeemable, the fact is Markram continues to fail, at a crucial position in the order, which is placing pressure on everyone else.

“He has been struggling,” said Proteas captain Dean Elgar, Markram’s regular partner at the top of the order and a close friend. “I’m sure that conversation will come up with the selectors,” Elgar said in answer to a question about Markram playing in the second Test next week.

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Since the Pakistan tour in January 2021, Markram is averaging 25.6 in 15 innings. That tour was supposedly the turning point for his career, especially as it pertained to how he played spin. He made two fifties and a second innings hundred in four innings. However, since his last half-century in the West Indies in June, the 26 year old averages 9.7 in 10 innings.

‘Markram 2.0,’ who had emerged in Pakistan, had quickly disappeared.

“It’s a valid question about his capacity in the side,” Elgar remarked. “I just think he needs to stop trying so hard because naturally he’s a gifted player. I think he is one score away from turning things around for himself and the side.”

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However the selectors must be wondering how much longer they can afford to wait for that