South Africa captain Aiden Markram has confirmed he will persist with his role as opener in the T20I side, a tactical move aimed at creating space for more destructive middle-order batters. The decision comes ahead of the series-deciding third T20I against Australia in Cairns on Saturday, with the series currently locked at 1-1.
Markram’s success as an opener in the 2025 IPL for Lucknow Super Giants has influenced the decision. He scored five half-centuries in 13 innings at a strike rate of 148.82. However, in international cricket, the right-hander has not passed fifty in T20Is since October 2022.
"Going through our squads and the players we've got around, we think probably that (opening) is the best fit," Markram said. "We've got some guys in the middle order that are a lot more destructive than I am, and we feel probably it's better off for me and Ricks (Ryan Rickelton) to be up top."
Markram described opening in T20 cricket as “an exciting role,” emphasising the importance of giving the team strong starts in the powerplay. His recent opening stands with Rickelton have yielded scores of 12 and 34, while number three batter Lhuan-dre Pretorius has yet to find form. Dewald Brevis, however, produced a standout unbeaten 125 in the second T20I, leading South Africa to victory.
In addition to his batting, Markram provides a handy off-spin option. He even dismissed Australia’s Travis Head in Darwin during the second T20I. “It’s very much a feel thing,” Markram said. “There’ll be occasions where you feel like the wicket might be on the slower side or might offer something, and you sort of take that punt.”
South Africa has struggled in recent T20I series, winning just one of their last nine bilateral contests. Markram is determined to reverse this trend. “It feels like we are moving in the right direction. The series so far has been good. The bowlers have been pretty good for us,” he said, adding that the next match will be a key test for the batting unit.
In the second T20I in Darwin, South Africa posted 218-7 in their 20 overs, thanks largely to Brevis’ explosive innings. Markram contributed 18 off 13 balls, while Tristan Stubbs added 31. Australia was dismissed for 165 in 17.4 overs, with Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch claiming three wickets each.
Markram also chipped in with the ball, taking 1-9 from his sole over. The 53-run win has set up a thrilling series decider, where his continued role as opener will again be in focus.
