Markram: At the end of the day, I haven’t made enough runs

The man on everyone’s lips when it comes to the Proteas isn’t even in the current ODI squad for the series against Sri Lanka.

It says much about Aiden Markram’s response since being dropped from the 50-over format team that he’s receiving so much attention.

And it’s understandable too.

Markram has scored an incredible 308 runs in two innings since re-joining the Titans for the domestic One-day Cup, a haul that includes a magnificent 169 coming in at No 5 against the Cobras at Newlands.

Naturally, the fickle sporting public is asking why he was ditched in the first place.

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But the 24-year-old is trying to ignore all that noise and is just focusing on the one thing that will keep his World Cup dream alive – more runs.

“I think it’s a natural thing for players who are in contention for the World Cup that what people are saying will play a role in their mindset and thought processes,” Markram told Rayder Media.

“At the moment I’ve managed to just push that aside. I’m trying to invest all my energy and time into the Titans. It’s put me at ease.”

What he can’t deny, however, is that every knock from now to the showpiece in England is an audition.

“It’s a tricky situation. Every time you walk out into the middle it feels as if you’re playing for your spot,” said Markram.

“It’s like an extended job interview. There’s such a healthy franchise system we’ve got going with so many good players emerging. By no means am I complaining about that. It’s great for South African cricket.

“But you consistently have to prove something and sometimes it works out. Other times, it puts you under pressure and makes things more difficult than they should be.”

Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis had mentioned after the first ODI against the islanders that Markram remains very much part of the picture and could force his way back into the reckoning for the final two matches of the series next week.

The former national Under-19 captain is clearly highly rated and an almost permanent fixture in the Test side.

Yet there are no hard feelings that that hasn’t translated into more faith from the selectors when it comes to the white ball.

“At the end of the day, you need numbers behind your name to justify selection for your country. At the moment, that isn’t the case for me when it comes to ODIs,” said Markram.

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