Aiden Markram is expected to return to South Africa’s playing XI for the second Test after missing the team’s travel from Durban to Gqeberha and both training sessions at St George’s Park due to personal reasons.
South Africa’s standout batter in the Durban Test is scheduled to arrive in Gqeberha on Friday night. He is expected to attend the team’s optional training session on Saturday and is likely to feature in the second Test, which begins on Sunday.
Markram’s availability will come as a major boost for South Africa, particularly after concerns emerged over his fitness following the shoulder treatment he received during the first Test. The issue was described as tightness and was treated on the field. However, he is understood to be fully available for the upcoming match, with no further concerns reported.
During Markram’s absence, South Africa continued preparations with David Bedingham, Simon Harmer, Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen forming the slip cordon. Harmer occupied the second-slip position, although his placement there does not necessarily indicate that he will be preferred over Keshav Maharaj as the team’s specialist spinner. Senuran Muthusamy also remains an option.
Ryan Rickelton, meanwhile, has been confirmed as South Africa’s designated wicketkeeper in place of Kyle Verreynne. Rickelton continued his intensive preparations behind the stumps for the second consecutive day before completing an extended batting session. Verreynne assisted the team by providing throwdowns during the training session.
Matthew Breetzke and Marques Ackerman are expected to come into the side, while Rickelton is likely to move down the batting order and Tristan Stubbs is set to make way after being dropped.
The two batters faced Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Mulder and Jansen during practice, suggesting that South Africa are preparing to field the same pace-heavy bowling attack for the second Test.
South Africa are also expected to play only one specialist spinner, although the final decision between Harmer, Maharaj and Muthusamy remains uncertain.
Markram’s return will be particularly encouraging for South African supporters, given his importance to the batting lineup. He had also returned home early from The Hundred and missed the first ODI for personal reasons.
With Markram expected to be available for Sunday’s match, South Africa will be hoping to strengthen their batting lineup and build on their performance in the opening Test. Barring any injury setbacks, he is also expected to remain available for the team’s subsequent fixtures.