• No play for Proteas in wet warm-up

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    The first day of the Proteas’ tour fixture against the Indian Board President’s XI at the Dr PVG Raju ACA Sports Complex in Vizianagaram was washed out without a ball bowled on Thursday.

    This three-day fixture is the tourists’ final match preparation ahead of next week’s first Test against India, which will be played at the Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

    Meanwhile, opening batsman Aiden Markram has shrewdly managed expectations. Markam struck a big century for South Africa A against India A in Mysore last week and will likely open the batting in October’s three Tests.

    ‘It was nice to get a few runs but, like I mentioned, by no means will the wickets play in the same way as they did in the A-side matches,’ said Markram.

    ‘There are always a couple of positives in terms of spending time at the crease and I’m trying to nit-pick at those positives and take as much I can from those knocks.

    ‘The preparation for the Test series is going to be massive and every little bit going into the series will help.’

    The 24-year-old wasn’t part of the Proteas’ previous Test series in India in 2015.  Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, batsman Dean Elgar, captain Faf du Plessis and others were and are in the squad for this tour four years later.

    ‘I remember watching that series a few years ago and it looked incredibly difficult,’ added Markram.

    ‘There could be a bit of baggage for the guys who were involved; they may have difficulty leaving it behind and I think that’s completely fine. Tours to the sub-continent are never easy‚ let alone India.

    ‘It’s full of challenges, but if we can conquer those challenges‚ it’s going to be very rewarding. We’re not going to harp on about conditions.

    ‘We’re here now and pretty much know what to expect‚ so it’s about getting the job done.’

    Photo: Gallo Images

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    SA CRICKET