Proteas batsman Aiden Markram has scored 499 Test runs at an average of 35.64 in 2024. His Test career average is 35.75.
Markram hit 89 in South Africa’s first innings during the ongoing Test series opener against Pakistan in Centurion.
The last time he scored a Test ton was against India in Cape Town in January 2024.
“For me, it’s not about me making hundreds. Obviously, making hundreds is great and it does feel good and you know you’re contributing, but it’s more the situation of the game that you find yourself in and when you find yourself getting out, that can frustrate you a lot,” said Markram.
“The hundred would be fantastic if it were to happen, but it’s not about Aidan Markram scoring a hundred. It’s more about getting the team into a really strong position where we can hopefully win a game of cricket.
“There’s times where you lack a little bit of mental edge because you’re playing so often and you go through a bit of mental fatigue. That’s where the frustration comes from.
“It would be a completely different conversation if I was feeling quite scratchy and feeling out of touch. I’m very fortunate that that’s not the case. I’m obviously frustrated that I haven’t been scoring runs. Obviously, it plays on you as a guy who has pride in performance and wants to contribute to winning games at cricket.”
Markram praised all-rounder Corbin Bosch, who took four wickets and hit 81 not out on Test debut in Centurion. Markram and Bosch are team-mates at the Titans.
“It looks pretty easy for him at this moment, this whole Test cricket thing, and his innings was a great momentum shift for us. It’s a hugely valuable knock, probably worth more than a hundred,” added Markram.
“He’s always been a really talented guy. In the last few years, he’s really put his head down, grafted and put in performances to get the chance. I’m really happy for him that he’s grabbed his opportunity as he has. There’s still a lot left in his tank that he has to offer and I’m glad some of the world can see what he’s about.”
MORE latest Proteas cricket news
- Dane Paterson: To all the haters – this one is for you
- ‘Super emotional’ Corbin Bosch: My dad obviously played for South Africa as well
- Rob Walter: I’m optimistic that when the time comes, we’ll pull together
- Hawks arrest and charge former Proteas pair
- Proteas select Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka for Test cricket
- JP Duminy resigns ‘following a mutual agreement with CSA’
- Heinrich Klaasen: This is ridiculous, disappointing, annoying
- Tabraiz Shamsi: I have decided to opt out of my central contract
- Dewald Brevis: I want to be the best cricketer that has ever lived