Aiden Markram clinches our Play of the Day after scoring 94 and surpassing the 500-run mark at Centurion on Saturday.

Markram became the second fastest South African to 500 Test runs – after the legendary Barry Richards – when he surpassed the milestone in just his seventh innings. Playing in his fifth Test, Markram now has two centuries and two 50s to his name, as well as an impressive average of 73.29.

Markram was in control for much of his innings on day one of the Test at Centurion and the 23-year-old opening batsman did the bulk of the scoring in the first session, and looked to be en route to a well-deserved century in the second before he was cruelly stopped short by off-spinner Ravi Ashwin.

DAY ONE REPORT: Test in balance after late SA lapse

Markram’s disappointment was patent as India skipper Virat Kohli attempted to console the youngster as he walked back to the change room. For the second time in his five-Test career, Markram had been dismissed in the 90s.

That said, Markram’s contribution was massive. The youngster scored 94 off 150 balls – a knock that included 15 4s – and featured in two important partnerships at the top of the order.

Markram, Dean Elgar, and Hashim Amla set the platform for a substantial first-innings total. The loss of four wickets late in the day, however, undid much of the good work.

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix