Don't want to get desperate about it: Markram on Test captaincy

Aiden Markram expressed his desire to lead South Africa in Tests but at the same time insisted that it will not be the end of the world if not given the top job.

Aiden Markram has emerged as one of the front runners to succeed Faf du Plessis.

Aiden Markram on Monday expressed his desire to lead South Africa in Tests but at the same time insisted that it will not be the end of the world for him if he isn’t given the top job.

After veteran batsman Faf du Plessis resigned from captaincy across all three formats, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has been in a lurch, trying to find a suitable leader for the longest format of the game.

Quinton de Kock was handed the reins in both white-ball formats but South Africa’s director of cricket, Graeme Smith, ruled out the wicketkeeper-batsman for Test captaincy, prompting several players to throw their hats into the ring.

“I’ve never given captaining my country too much thought. It’s always been a shot in the dark for me. But now that my name is in the hat for people who are writing news so to speak, it’s nice to be considered. I’d love to do it and I’d probably even give an arm and a leg to do it,” Markam was quoted as saying by Sport24.

“I’ve said it before though that it’s not the be-all and end-all for me. I don’t want to become desperate about it. I’d be honoured and excited, but I’m not looking too much into it,” he added.

 

The 25-year-old, who successfully led South Africa’s under-19 team to World Cup glory in Dubai in 2014, has emerged as one of the front runners to succeed du Plessis as the Proteas’ next Test captain.

“From a personal perspective, I really enjoy captaincy and the responsibility associated with it,” said Markram.

“I’ve been able to watch and learn from various franchise captains as well as someone like Faf. If it were to happen (being named captain) it would be great, but if not, there are plenty of strong leaders in the group that would definitely take the team forward.”

Markram has featured in 20 Tests for South Africa, but spent most of the 2019-20 season sidelined with an injury, and is now focussed on cementing his place in the side.

“My main focus is to get back into the team and stay there,” he said.

Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van Der Dussen and Keshav Maharaj are some of the other players who have emerged as contenders for the Test captaincy.