Aiden Markram played a pivotal role in South Africa’s historic ICC Test Championship triumph, scoring a match-winning 136 in the fourth innings to crush Australia’s hopes. The victory ended South Africa’s 27-year wait for an ICC trophy, and Markram now hopes the win will reignite passion for Test cricket in the country.
Speaking after the win, Aiden Markram said, “This format has always been my favorite. It means the most to me. While we don’t get to choose when or what format we play, I believe Test cricket should be prioritized in South Africa. It’s essential for nurturing young talent who dream of representing the country in the purest form of the game.”
He added, “How long a player plays is a personal choice, but the best players should be given priority in Tests. I’ve believed that since day one.”
Aiden Markram
South Africa, long labeled “chokers” after repeated failures in ICC finals since their 1998 Champions Trophy win, finally broke the curse. “I hope we’ve answered all the doubts. Winning a Test World Cup is the hardest because it requires consistent excellence over time. This proves we are the best in red-ball cricket,” said Aiden Markram.
Despite being dismissed before the winning moment, Markram expressed mixed emotions: “I wish I could’ve been there at the end. I was angry with myself for getting out. But there will still be special memories.” Reflecting on his century, he said, “I’ve never scored more valuable runs. After getting out for a duck in the first innings, everything came together in the second. Lord’s is a special place, and this day will be remembered by South African fans for years.”
Aiden Markram, who captained South Africa to the U-19 World Cup title in 2014, once described himself in three words: “Positive, confident, responsible.” Eleven years later, in the Lord’s final, those same qualities earned him the Man of the Match award.
Also Read: BCB announced Mehidy Hasan Miraz as the new captain of Bangladesh ODI team