Captain Dean Elgar says the Proteas can’t afford to carry passengers in their batting lineup.
South Africa are set to make changes to their XI for the second Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, which starts on Friday, following their humiliating innings-and-276-run defeat last week.
One of those in the firing line is Markram, who made 15 and 2 at Hagley Oval. In his past 10 innings, he averages just 9.7.
“It’s a tough one and I don’t think I have to speak to him anymore,” said Elgar. “I’ve had a lot of tough conversations with him around him needing to score runs for us.
“He kind of understands the situation he’s in at the moment in that his position is a little bit vulnerable.
“I’d like to think he’s a lot cleverer than that as a player and you don’t need to harp on too many things with him.
“He knows he needs to contribute for us. He knows he’s in an important position for us in the top order and we need guys firing.
“We can’t carry a few spots in the batting lineup,” Elgar added. “One guy out of form can’t be carried with the hope of that player being one knock away from form.
“I’ve had a lot of good conversations with Aiden over the last few weeks and I know the angle of approach with him.
“It’s something that resonates with him in a big way, but I do need him to return the favours as well.”
