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Johannesburg: Aiden Markram’s highly-anticipated debut for South Africa could come against Bangladesh in the opening game of the two-Test series at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom from September 28.
The 22-year-old, who guided South Africa to an ICC Under-19 World Cup triumph in 2014, has been a mainstay at the top of Titan’s batting order since making his first-class debut in 2014. He has featured in 33 first-class games and scored 2144 runs at 42.03 and averages 41.95 from 26 List A matches.
Markram featured in South Africa’s squad during the England tour, but he did not get a game there. Markram was initially included in the squad as cover for Faf du Plessis, who missed the first Test because of the birth of his child. He was due to head home after du Plessis's return but was retained, though, South Africa picked Heino Kuhn ahead of Markram for the series.
The squad has been named only for the first Test, and it’s likely that Philander will return for the second game in Bloemfontein from October 6.
South Africa' squad for first Test: Faf du Plessis (Capt.), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock (wk), Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada.
The other uncapped played player in the 13-member squad is Andile Phehlukwayo. The paceman featured in South Africa’s ODI squad in the preceding series against England and did a good job with the new ball.
Wayne Parnell, who last played a Test for South Africa in January this year, has been recalled after Vernon Philander, Chris Morris and Dale Steyn were all ruled out due to injuries. The pace unit now features Parnell, Andile, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier.
Wiaan Mulder, the 19-year-old a medium pacer, will join the squad as cover for Parnell, who is set to undergo a fitness test next week.
