Aiden Markram leads Proteas in quest for Test redemption in the subcontinent

Proteas stand-in Test captain Aiden Markram reiterated that the Proteas are looking to make things right in Pakistan ahead of the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.

South Africa last won a Test series in Pakistan almost two decades ago, when Jacques Kallis’ three centuries saw Graeme Smith’s side claim a 1–0 victory in the two-match series.

The last time South Africa toured Pakistan, in the 2020/21 season, they were whitewashed 2–0 as the hosts completely dominated. This time, Markram and the Proteas are determined to make amends in Pakistan.

The series victory in Bangladesh last year, where conditions are similar to those in Pakistan, will be fresh in the South Africans’ memory and will provide motivation for the side to believe they can get the job done in spin-friendly conditions.

Markram told the media on Saturday that they are focused on the new cycle and on putting things right in subcontinental conditions.

“I think you always get excited for a new cycle, and the previous cycle went quite well for us, and we managed to put the cherry on top, which was really special,” Markram said.

“I think you have to look at it now — it’s two to three years ahead of playing good Test cricket to lift the trophy. That’s where most of the focus has been.

“Naturally, we’re looking forward to the challenges that Pakistan pose in terms of the spin-friendly tracks we assume, and as a team that’s not often exposed to those conditions, it’s exciting for us and a great opportunity to get things right. So we’re trying to put a lot of the focus there and ultimately put five days of good cricket together for the first Test.”

For the first Test, the Proteas are without their chief spinner, slow left-arm orthodox Keshav Maharaj, who is currently leading the Dolphins in their CSA Four-Day Series clash against the Lions at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban.

However, coach Shukri Conrad and Markram have three spin options — another left-armer in Senuran Muthusamy, and two off-spinners in Prenelan Subrayen and the recalled Simon Harmer.

While Markram could not confirm the playing XI on the eve of the first Test, he did reveal that Muthusamy will take the field as he is the only left-arm spinner available.

Markram told the media that not having Maharaj for the first Test is a big loss but added that his absence provides an opportunity for others to step up.

“You miss Kesh. He’s incredible even when the ball doesn’t spin, so it’s a big loss for us, of course, but again it’s an opportunity for two or three of our other spinners to put their hands up and stake a claim, which is really exciting,” said Markram.

“Muthusamy will definitely play, being the only other left-arm spinner. Obviously, Keshav is not here for the first Test, but hopefully we get him back for the second, and then we can see where we go from there.

“We expect the conditions to spin, of course. We saw how things turned out in the England series — that’s obviously Pakistan’s way of trying to win, and it’s completely fair, and we look forward to that challenge.

“We haven’t looked at the wicket today yet — hopefully we’ll get a glance at it now and then finalise everything for tomorrow.”