Aiden Markram has been appointed interim Proteas ODI captain for the remainder of the series against India. 

The Proteas suffered a blow when Faf du Plessis was ruled out of the ODI series with a finger injury. With AB de Villiers also out injured, the selectors have made a brave decision to go with Markram as captain for the remainder of the series.

CSA convenor of selectors Linda Zondi announced Markram’s appointment as the stand-in ODI skipper on Saturday.

‘Part of our plan is to make sure that we are looking at our vision of 2019,’ said Zondi. ‘Also we are looking at developing our young leaders and our post-2019 plans, and Aiden fits into the plans we are trying to achieve.

‘We are aware that Markam is new to our set-up; part of our plan is to build that pool of leaders in our set-up. Markram has always been in our plans since he was captain of the U19s [in 2014] and later SA A.

‘Yes, there will be pressure in terms of him understanding his role and to be able to perform as a player. We want to see if he can handle pressure because part of leadership is to be able to adjust and perform under pressure. We believe he has the skill and capability to do so.

‘It will be beneficial for us to see what Markram can do. It is a great opportunity for us to move forward and it’s a great sign of us planning ahead and planning for the future.’

Markram said Du Plessis had already helped to prepare him for the role.

‘Faf has taken me under his wing since I’ve been involved in the environment. We have spoken a lot and this morning throughout the training session, him and I have been side by side chatting about plans.

‘I’ll keep him close to me; luckily he will be here throughout the game. I’ll keep sending messages on and off the field, asking for hints and tips.

‘But at the end of the day, it will be my decision on the field to make. I will definitely also consult with senior players.’

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