“How to start from scratch”



Aiden Markram admitted that he was grateful to be given the chance to start again on a clean slate, after he won the century on the opening day of the first Test between the Proteas and the West Indies at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday.

Markram made his way to his sixth international tonne before dropping to 115 as Proteas went to the end of the game on 314/8..

Markram was expelled from protea A Test team that competed in Australia in December and January after poor form but were brought back into the game by new Proteas Test coach Shukri Konrad.

“Personally, it was good for me (to be on the sidelines). Today it felt like everything started from scratch.

“Sometimes things get pretty weird,” Markram explained at the post-match press conference.

“Heartbroken”

“Of course my heart was broken that I wasn’t in Australia, but I was given clear reasons why I wasn’t on tour and I was happy with those reasons.

“As batters, we need runs on the board, and if you’re not picking up runs on a team that wants to compete and be the best in the world, your position needs to be under scrutiny. So looking back, it worked out well, but I’m just really grateful to be back in business today.”

There was a moment when the heart stopped when Markram was at 99, with West Indies considering caught screaming after the referee didn’t give him away, but the replay showed the ball missed the bat and bounced off his shoulder.

Relief was fully shown on his face as he hit the next four offside ball to bring out an emotional three-figure figure.

The West Indies players celebrate.
On Tuesday, the West Indies players celebrate the victory over South Africa. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images

“I fought back tears”

“I struggled with them (tears) a bit. It meant a lot to me. It was a strange journey, but I am grateful that it turned out, ”Markram admitted.

“It always feels a little more special when you do it (win a century) in your home gym with friends and family here. So I was also very relieved, which I think it all came down to.”

Markram also hailed the role of new Proteas coach Conrad on his return to form, saying the full support as a Proteas Test rookie has given him a lot of confidence.

“It matters (getting that kind of support). I have come a long way with the coach and we have a really good relationship and understanding between us. I think it’s always great when a coach supports you like that, it gives you extra confidence, ”said Markram.

“You also want to give him credit for being so supportive of you. I think this is one of the strengths of the coach. He is always clear in his messages and you always know exactly where you stand. He also has his own reasons for doing so, so I’m grateful that he supports me, and today I had another chance.”

form SA20

Form and success of Markram in the first issue CA20 competitionwhere he led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the title and was named Player of the Tournament also gave him momentum ahead of the Test series.

“Obviously it’s very different, but I suppose when you have a few runs under your belt, you can get a certain amount of confidence from it.

“SA20, as we all said, was a great competition and we finished well as a team and that happy and good mood continues,” said Markram.

“I think it helped that I had some time away from the tests to start over with a clean slate.”

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