Test cricket has always been my favourite format: Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram stole the show in the fourth innings of South Africa’s World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, scoring a stunning century to aid the team chase down a 282-run goal against Australia’s world-class bowling attack.

Markram’s brilliant performance (136 off 207) was instrumental in the Proteas breaking their 27-year ICC title drought. South Africa captured the coveted WTC mace on Saturday, June 14, when Kyle Verreynne scored the winning run at the Home of Cricket.

Following the momentous victory, an emotional Markram acknowledged his passion of Test cricket. He hoped that young people in the Rainbow Nation will recognise the significance of the longest format of the game and cherish the Test cap.

“The test has always been my favourite and most significant format. Naturally, we have no control over the format; it is akin to the cards that you are dealt. It is critical, in my opinion, to maintain Test cricket as the premier format in South Africa. We understand the intricacies of the cricket world, but it is more about the young man coming through and seeing the Test cap as the most important thing in South Africa. How long he plays for is an entirely different discussion anymore, but the number one priority should be to play Test cricket, and I have always believed that,” Markram remarked following the WTC Final.

No team had chased such a mark at Lord’s Cricket Ground in the previous two decades. South Africa, on the other hand, demonstrated a strong belief in their ability, winning by five wickets. Markram stated that the Proteas had ideally answered all of the issues after coming so near to winning ICC titles, particularly in recent years.

“Hopefully, all of the previously asked questions have been answered. In my perspective, the WTC Final would be the most difficult, as multiple days of good cricket can only yield outcomes,” Markram stated.

Aiden Markram was removed when South Africa needed only six runs to win.

He clipped a delivery off his pads to Travis Head’s right, where he made a great diving catch at mid wicket. South Africa’s T20 captain expressed disappointment at not being able to lead his team to victory.

“I wish I could have stood there and taken in the standing ovation.” But that’s just me being myself; when I got out, I was so angry at myself. But there are one or two memories from that,” he said.