Markram's blueprint for big runs

THERE is plenty of conjecture surrounding which batting position is best suited to Aiden Markram in T20 cricket.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

The Proteas T20I captain’s most profitable T20 World Cup experience came when he was batting at No 4 during the global jamboree held in the UAE in 2021. Markram struck two half-centuries and averaged 54 with a strike rate of 145.94.

Equally, his overall career numbers suggest that he is better suited to the middle order, with Markram having scored 650 runs in 23 matches, with a highest of 56, at an average of 36.11 and a 146.72 strike rate.

Yet, that is not where Markram will be lining up at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

Proteas coach Shukri Conrad wants his skipper at the top of the order to influence the game from the outset. Markram’s record as a T20I opener has yielded only 319 runs at an average of 24.53 in 23 matches, but his strike rate improves to 168.78 when facing the new ball.

That is what Conrad is focused on; he believes that in tandem with Quinton de Kock, the Proteas will have two explosive openers who can maximise the Power-play fielding restrictions before going on to make a truly impactful, game-changing score.