Aiden Markram says he would prefer batting high up the order during the upcoming ODI series against Pakistan, which starts in Centurion on Friday.

The 26-year-old could make his first 50-over appearance for South Africa since the final pool match of the 2019 World Cup in England.

Having missed out on selection in the Proteas’ previous two ODI series, Markram on Wednesday said that he would be happy to bat anywhere in the top four of the batting order.

READ: Markram: Fresh start for Proteas ODI team

‘The few discussions I’ve had with the coach and Temba [Bavuma] are to try to be quite versatile. I’d see myself anywhere in the top four, probably more comfortable up top for the time being. I’d still like to get to know Nos 3 and 4 a little bit more, but certainly something I am open to doing. As a player, you’d be happy to take any spot that’s available in the team,’ Markram told reporters.

The right-hander isn’t getting ahead of himself, though, with a number of quality top-order batsmen hoping to build on the success they achieved in the Proteas’ last ODI series.

A dominant 3-0 whitewash over Australia before Covid-19 struck in March last year saw the likes of Janneman Malan, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Verreynne and Jon-Jon Smuts put their hands up.

‘I still need to do a lot. It’s just been about getting back to the gameplans I used when things were going well for me, albeit at franchise cricket. It’s just about addressing plans from a mental side of things. I don’t think technically too much changes,’ Markram added.

Friday’s clash with Pakistan at SuperSport Park will start at 10am before the two teams move to Johannesburg for Sunday’s Pink Day ODI.