SA batsman Aiden Markram is not quite sure if he would like to captain his country in Test cricket or not, making contradicting statements about the vacant position on Monday.
“Now that the name is sort of a ‘name in the hat’ for people who are writing news, it’s just nice to be considered. As I said, I do love it and I would give an absolute arm and a leg to do it but it’s not the be-all and end-all,” said Markram.
It’s not clear what can be gleaned from that statement, but Markram went on to say it’s an issue that has not really troubled him: “From a personal perspective I really enjoy captaincy. I enjoy the responsibilities that come with it. I’ve never given captaining my country too much thought.”
The 25-year-old then went on to firmly muddy the waters with regard to his yearning to captain South Africa.
“I don’t want to give the impression that I’m desperate. If it were to happen then it would be amazing, if It doesn’t then there are plenty good leaders within the environment that would take the team forward.”
Markram was one of many underperforming players at the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, before fracturing his hand (self-inflicted) on SA’s tour to India in October. He then returned to fitness in time for England’s tour to South Africa, but broke a finger in the opening Test and did not play another match for his country throughout the summer.
“It was certainly very frustrating to miss quite a bit of the season,” he said. “But for now I definitely feel 100 per cent. The injuries have certainly healed and subsided, which have allowed me to work quite hard during this time off.
“Probably the most challenging part of being injured is not allowing your mind to run off. I think when you have so much of time on your hands you tend to not just overthink things but also you delve deep into things which is often unnecessary, so I think trying to keep your mind at bay and trying to keep your mind calm and strong when you have time off is probably the biggest challenge that I have struggled with.”
After his injury return, Markram played six matches in which he regained his form for the Titans.
Despite his frustrations, he insists that quitting the game has never crossed his mind.
“I’ve never thought about giving up, but I certainly have doubted my abilities. I’ve doubted my abilities especially when I’ve been out of form and at that top level, you’re a few bad knocks away from people wanting you out of the team and people stop backing you and things like that.”
South Africa is currently in its eighth week of a national lockdown – imposed as a result of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Markram, though, says the break has been good for him.
“It’s (international cricket) a tough space to be in but it comes with the territory,” he explained. “If you want to be a top performer at a high level then you’ve got to find ways of dealing with it and certainly this time off has been a time to reflect and not blow it out of proportion in your own mind… just try and crack on with what needs to get done.”
Markram, who averages above 40 in domestic cricket but below 38 at the international level, says his family has been key during the most trying times of his career.
“I’ve been blessed with a really amazing family,” he says. “From day one, I can only remember them supporting me and never getting in the way. They’ve always backed me to make the right decisions, which has helped me learn. I have bumped my head a few times, but I’ve learnt a lot along the way.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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