Markram Say SA Have 'Buried' Past WTC Final Failures: 'This Team Is Different'
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Aiden Markram is confident South Africa won't be mentally hampered by past failures as they face Australia in the World Test Championship final.
South African batsman Aiden Markram exudes confidence that his team will not be mentally hampered by past failures when they face Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's.
The Proteas have experienced several near misses in major tournaments, including last year's T20 World Cup final in Barbados, where they lost to India despite requiring only 30 more runs with 30 balls and six wickets in hand.
Markram, who captained South Africa in that match and is one of five players from that game featuring in the WTC final squad, believes the team has moved on. Under Temba Bavuma's leadership, they are focused on the present.
'This team is different," Markram said at Lord's on Sunday. 'Those of us who have experienced past disappointments have dealt with it, discussed it, and learned from it. Now, it's about the excitement of another opportunity to succeed."
As an opener, Markram faces the challenge of neutralising Australia's potent bowling attack in the final starting on Wednesday. However, South Africa also possesses a formidable pace attack spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada.
'As an opener, my role is to give the team a strong start," Markram stated. 'Preparing against our world-class bowlers can be tough, but it helps us as batters."
South Africa's path to the final involved winning seven consecutive Tests, predominantly in short series.
'Most of our series were two-game series, so we couldn't afford to start slowly," Markram explained. 'We need to be sharp from day one."
The 30-year-old Markram, who has played 45 Tests, is relishing the opportunity to play at Lord's.
'Playing a Test match at Lord's is special, and having it as a final is the cherry on top," he said.
When asked about the significance of Lord's, Markram remarked, 'The history… so many greats of the game have played here. It's amazing to have the chance to play on the same field and share the same dressing room."
(With inputs from AFP)
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