Is This the Greatest Test Innings by a South African Batter?

London, June 14 (NationPress) Former England captain Kevin Pietersen praised Aiden Markram for his splendid 136, which significantly contributed to South Africa's triumph in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship. Pietersen remarked that this innings might be the finest ever played by a South African batter in the history of Test cricket.

After scoring a duck in the first innings, Markram came back strongly, scoring an impressive 136 runs, featuring 14 boundaries, and played a pivotal role in South Africa successfully chasing down 282 runs before lunch on the fourth day of play. This victory marked a significant ICC championship win for the Proteas, breaking a 27-year spell of disappointment in knockout tournaments.

“This is probably the best innings any South African batter has ever produced in Test cricket. While it may not be the most aggressive or entertaining when viewed through the lens of South Africa's Test history, the circumstances—the expectations, the stage, and the pressure following a first innings failure—make it extraordinary,” said Pietersen.

“The pressure is immense when you’re representing your country and must deliver. Despite losing Rickelton early, Markram showcased something truly remarkable. The pressure he faced is difficult to articulate,” Pietersen added on the Cricket Live show.

Similar sentiments were echoed by former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar. “All the effort pays off when you settle in like Markram did after finding his rhythm and playing those elegant strokes. At that moment, everything shifts in your favor.”

“Irrespective of the opponent's stature, self-belief and trust in the team are what truly matter. This South African squad had faith in their collective abilities, not just as individuals. Markram embodied that belief. The camaraderie in the dressing room fuels such exceptional performances.”

“When Markram urged Bavuma to stay with him at the crease, and Bavuma complied, it illustrated the strength of their relationship. Ultimately, moments like these reveal a hero—today, that hero was Markram, and rightfully so,” he stated.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who achieved a match tally of nine wickets, praised Markram’s poise and dominance under pressure. “Aiden is a big-match player. His ability to stand firm with such determination was a sight to behold. His presence, the way he commanded his space, and adhered to his game plan without faltering was just exceptional.”

“Batting well on that pitch was essential—you couldn’t afford to be careless. They were setting up traps on both sides, but he navigated through all of that during his innings.”