LONDON (AP) — Aiden Markram also silenced his doubters. His MVP-winning 136, only his second century away from home in eight years, is expected to give the allrounder who opens the confidence to lift his test reputation to the repute he enjoys in T20s and ODIs.
Until this match, Markram was the only South Africa captain to win a World Cup, the under-19 version in 2014. His test career has roller-coastered but he was recalled by Conrad and backed by Bavuma. Markram led the team to the 2024 T20 World Cup final and scarred by defeat when victory was in sight, another tribute to his resilience.
“I thought a lot about the T20 World Cup last night and how helpless I felt after getting out,” he said. “That gave me motivation to make sure I stayed at the crease. It was all about getting the job done.
“This is as big and tough as it gets. All the questions that have been asked in the past have fortunately now been answered. It would be great to not hear it (chokers) again, that’s for sure. To get rid of that tag is a big thing for this team.”
Markram admitted he slept “horribly” but endured until six runs were needed. He was at the crease for six hours, 23 minutes.
“It will rank up there as number one,” he said. “My test career has been hard going, very stop-start. Weird how things worked out after a duck in the first innings. Need a bit of luck. It’s one of the most special days.”
