I was holding back tears: Markram on Scoring 115 in his Test Match Return for SA
South African opener Aiden Markram scored a century on his recall to the international side in the test match against West Indies. Markram got emotional after scoring the ton and said that it was a relief.
He had thought that his Test career had ended. Markram struck 18 fours in his 174-ball knock while putting up a 141 runs partnership for the first wicket. Markram seized the opportunity on the first day of the first Test and made it extra special as he scored 115 at his home, Centurion.
Markram had debuted six years ago and scored two centuries in his first three tests after which he was seen as a potential stalwart for South Africa at the test level. But he was dropped last year after having an average of 34.
The 28-year-old opener was dropped against England and left out of the Test tour to Australia but recalled this month in a revamp of the South Africa side ahead of their home series against the West Indies.
The Feeling Of Joy And Relief
After South Africa reached 314/8 at stumps, Markram said that “I think my biggest emotion was that sense of relief, knowing that you can still compete in this format at this level. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were moments of luck here and there. But just grateful it worked out.”
Markram further added, “You do go through moments where you doubt yourself and wonder if you’ll ever get the opportunity again.”
Markram also thanked the newly appointed coach, Shukri Conrad by saying that “It’s great when a coach backs you like that, it gives you an extra bit of confidence. You also want to do him justice for backing you like that. That’s one of [Shukri’s] biggest strengths. He’s always very clear in his messaging and you’ll know exactly where you stand with reasons provided. I’m grateful that he backs me.”
Even though Markram was dropped from the Test team, he was going in form with limited-overs cricket, and leading the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to an SA20 triumph helped him regain his confidence.
