Proteas batsman Aiden Markram’s pre-World Cup stint with Hampshire in English county cricket continued to reap reward on Tuesday.
Markram struck 88 in Hampshire’s 83-run victory over Surrey at The Oval in London, where South Africa are scheduled to play three World Cup matches in May and June 2019.
The talented right-hander’s vigil spanned 90 deliveries – and featured nine fours – in a final total of 307 all out.
The Hampshire XI also featured former Proteas Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott, who are unavailable for national selection after signing Kolpak contracts.
Surrey’s reply was limited to 254 all out, with Markram the recipient of half-centurion Mark Stoneman’s dismissal. The spinner had the opener caught by backward point fielder Sam Northeast.
This is Markram’s second superb all-round performance in the last seven days. He previously gathered 88 and took three wickets in victory over Middlesex in Southampton, where the Proteas will play two round-robin fixtures during the World Cup. The three-for included the removal of England ODI captain Eoin Morgan.
England and South Africa will open the World Cup at The Oval on 30 May, when Markram is expected to open the batting alongside the left-handed Quinton de Kock, or file into the middle order alongside captain Faf du Plessis and others.
Photo: Getty Images
