Important for Aiden Markram to clear his head, says Dean Elgar

Dean Elgar is hopeful not have been the now questionable idea to make Aiden Markram the Proteas’ stand-in ODI captain won’t have negative consequences for the team in their Test series against Australia.

The 23-year-old was at the helm in five of the six 50-over matches played against a rampant India, a series the hosts lost by an embarrassing 5-1 margin.

Of more concern is the fact that Markram’s form suffered as a result.

And that’s not good news with the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban starting on Thursday already.

Given how the visitors love to pick on potential weaknesses, whether it be technical or mental, Markram will definitely be in the firing line.

At least his expected partner at the start of the innings is pleased he was given a break from the T20 series against India.

“I think it’s very important for him to clear his mind,” said Elgar on Tuesday.

“He’s had seven to 10 days off which is potentially good for him given what happened in the ODIs. But Aiden has got a strong head and he will take in a lot of info.”

That might translate into Markram perhaps overthinking things though Elgar believes the rookie batsman will handle it in a mature manner.

“It’s important for him to use what info is going to strengthen his game. It’s always tough to see a guy go through that but Aiden is massively talented and is a cricketer for SA’s future,” said the gritty left-hander.

“He’ll bounce back. He’s putting in a lot of hard yards. I think he realises he can’t take his talent for granted. It’s almost like you have to over-prepare at this level.”

In fact, preparation can’t be underestimated when you’re fronting up to a menacing bowling attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon.

“I think they’re a vastly developed bowling attack. Starc and Hazlewood have been there for many a year and have honed their skills in different formats,” said Elgar.

“Then there’s a guy like Cummins who is good for the game because every time he has risen up he got injured. It’s good to see him staying in the game longer than usual.”

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