Cricket South Africa have effectively compared Aiden Markram to Barry Richards.
Markram has collected 781 runs at an average of 97.62 in this season’s 4-Day Domestic Series.
He will have the opportunity to reach 1,000 runs during the Titans’ fixture against the Lions at the Wanderers in Johannesburg this week.
Richards, whose first-class career spanned 1964 to 1983, achieved this feat twice.
“The landmark of 1,000 runs in a domestic season is a significant milestone that is well within his reach, but what makes it even more so is that he has only played in six matches (with 10 innings) to date,” read Tuesday’s media release from CSA’s corporate communications team.
“This immediately raises the prospect of a comparison with the legendary Barry Richards, who twice scored more than 1,000 runs in eight matches.
“If Markram can also get to 1,000 in the eight matches available to him he will have put down a notable landmark for the rest of his career.”
BA Richards’ 1971-72 season
- 8 matches
- 15 innings
- 1,089 runs
- Average: 77.78
BA Richards’ 1972-73 season
- 8 matches
- 16 innings
- 1,064 runs
- Average: 70.93
AK Markram’s 2020-21 season
- 6 matches
- 10 innings
- 781 runs
- Average 97.62
Markram was in solid form during the recent Test series against Pakistan, too. He hit 74 in Karachi and 108 in Rawalpindi.
“I learned so much about how to build an innings under difficult circumstances and being prepared to wait for the opportunities,” he said.
“I have taken that forward with me in my return to franchise cricket.”