Aiden Markram's hundred is the best by a South African batter in Tests: Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen made the big claim that Aiden Markram's hundred in the World Test Championship final against Australia was the best innings by a South African batter in the longest format of the game. Markram scored a composed 136 off 207 balls that guided the Proteas to a 5-wicket win and helped them end their wait for an ICC title. advertisementMarkram hit 14 boundaries and formed an important partnership with captain Temba Bavuma to help South Africa get to the win. He was adjudged as the Player Of The Match for his knock. Pietersen, while talking to the broadcasters after the game, admitted that it may not have been the most attacking or entertaining knock, but when you factor in expectation, the stage and the pressure, it was an extraordinary knock. "Probably the best innings any South African batter has ever played in Test match cricket. It might not go down as the most attacking or entertaining if you look back at South Africa's Test history.'
'But when you factor in the expectation, the stage, and the pressure after failing in the first innings, it was extraordinary. Whether you're a batter or a bowler, when your country is counting on you and you have to deliver — that pressure is immense," said Pietersen. advertisementPietersen also noted that Markram was under immense pressure after losing Ryan Rickleton early. 'He lost (Ryan) Rickelton early, yet still went on to produce something truly magnificent. It's hard to even describe the kind of pressure he was under,' said Markram. What Markram said about his knockMarkram came into his match-winning knock after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings, and he said that luck did go his way in the end. The South African opener was happy to see the fans at Lord's and said it was a special day. "Weird how things work out, you get a duck. Ultimately, you get luck and it worked out. It will, yes. Lord's is a place where every Test cricketer wants to play. Plenty of South African fans were there and it was one of those special days. It's not always one-sided, you absorb the pressure and it was about maximising the scoring options," said Markram. Must Watch
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