Proteas Just On Top

FIRST TEST: PATERSON, BOSCH MAKE PAKISTAN PAY ON THE OPENING DAY

- Wesley Botton

Opening batter Aiden Markram managed to keep the Proteas in the hunt yesterday after the hosts found themselves in a spot of trouble, despite some impressive bowling by their seam attack getting them off to a good start on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in Centurion.

While the rest of South Africa's top order crumbled, Markram stood firm in the early stages of their first innings, guiding his team to 82/3 when stumps were drawn. They were trailing Pakistan by 129 runs with seven wickets to spare.

Markram was on 47 not out at the close of play, while Proteas captain Temba Bavuma was unbeaten on four.