Aiden Markram stepped into the spotlight during the recent Test match against Australia at Lord’s, showcasing his skills as an unexpected bowling asset for South Africa. Going into this match, Markram had just three wickets to his name. He surprised just about everyone by making the fearsome Steve Smith his fourth Test scalp. The wicket made him a household name overnight. It had the added effect of making his bowling average look a lot better – dropping it from 85 to an amazing 64.
An all-rounder of enormous promise already, Markram’s performance was particularly remarkable given his limited bowling in Test cricket. He has thus far only bowled 80 overs. This is out of sorts even by his standards – 16 of his 45 Test matches prior to this meeting. His wage earning capacity to produce vital scalps is a further testament of the potency and flexibility of South Africa’s talent-laden rank and file.
Markram’s Unlikely Bowling Role
Although best known for his exceptional batting skill, Aiden Markram’s value with the ball has consistently flown under the radar. It’s surprising to go from such a remarkable performance by the often-unutilized “secret weapon” of bowlers to him rarely being tapped to bowl in Tests. Though he has never bowled so few overs in his life, he showed real maturity and ability in a testing time of the game.
Facing a brutal Aussie batting order, Markram took the chance to equip himself against some of the toughest competition to come. His confidence levels would have been sky high after taking the prized scalp of Steve Smith. Smith is notoriously difficult to get out and a brilliant tactician. This wicket had unnaturally inflated Markram’s average. By no means did it do justice to the amazing talent that South Africa’s players brought to bear against some of the toughest competition around.
Markram continued his exceptional showing with the ball in this T20 series. He soon followed it up by removing Ryan Rickelton immediately after getting Smith out. This turn of events pretty much sealed the fact that he could be a valuable asset to our team in many different areas.
Celebrating Milestones
The unbridled jubilation that erupted after Markram’s wicket of Steve Smith perfectly summed up this talented team’s happiness and hype. No wonder Markram prized that wicket so highly. It was equally important for him and the South African side as they struggled to find their rhythm in a match full of hard-nosed competition.
His exuberance was obvious as he celebrated the wicket, signalling a breakthrough in his previously futile bowling career. He bowl very rarely, so this moment was a real shot in the arm for him. What his teammates liked, too, was how inspired they were by how he performed. It showed how much a difference an in-form batsman can make to a team. They can provide indispensable value both on and off the field.
The Bigger Picture
Markram’s 52 makes for an interesting case, regarding what role he might have to assume going forward in the knockout stages of the tournament for South Africa. He has thus far only bowled 80 more overs in his entire Test career. There’s indication that there’s plenty of room for him to grow and develop in this area. His ability to take key wickets provides opportunities to further capitalize on his bowling talent. Look for him to play a big role in the decisive tournament.
As cricket continues to change, there is a demand for players who can contribute to any role. His recent success will probably influence the way future selectors would judge him. His unique dual skill set would give South Africa more balance, particularly in testing conditions or against top-tier opposition.
