Aiden Markram most likely bat at 3 in Centurion ODI

After losing the first One-Day International against India by six wickets, South Africa were dealt with a severe blow. Their skipper Faf du Plessis, who scored a magnificent ton, was ruled out of the remainder of the series and T20I rubber as well due to a broken finger. Cricket South Africa (CSA) then announced Aiden Markram as the stand-in captain who has only played a couple of ODIs for the senior side. However, he is also likely to take the place of du Plessis and bat at number 3 in Centurion on Sunday.

It was a surprise for the fans as CSA had the option of appointing the more experienced JP Duminy or David Miller at the helm. Markram, however, has the experience of leading the team at the world stage and has also won the U19 World Cup in 2014 under his leadership. The fact might have worked in his favour as the Proteas are looking to groom the future captain in the absence of the regular skipper.

Markram denies swap with Amla

Aiden Markram, on the eve of the second ODI, revealed that he will most likely to bat at number 3 position at Supersport Park. “It would make sense for myself to go up to three, having spent most of my career opening the batting. From three onwards we are not 100% sure of the side. That selection meeting must still take place and will be announced later in the day. There is plenty of experience in the middle order with JP [Duminy] and Dave Miller, so we will organise it and go according to the way the game dictates tomorrow,” he told reporters in the pre-match presser.

While there is also an option for him to swap the batting position with Hashim Amla and let the more experienced batsman take the responsibility of the middle-order. Though the stand-in skipper denied that possibility stressing the fact Amla has done well batting at the top of the order. “I don’t think so. Hash has been so good at the top of the order for us and provides that calmness and hits good cricket shots while the field is up. He is a massive asset at the top, and I don’t think there is a need to adjust the batting lineup,” Markram added.

All eyes will be on him now as the hosts are under pressure to level the series against the mighty Indians.

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