I, like most other cricket followers, am a huge fan of Aiden Markram and I do expect him to really announce himself in the next 18 months or so. My only worry at the moment is that we’re seeing him look imperious for 20/30/40 runs, then finding a way to get out when he’s looked so assured to that point.
Today is another decent example, he played some sumptuous shots, the back foot punch down the ground was a personal highlight for me, but then he seemingly throws it away. Now don’t get me wrong I’m not suggesting this is a huge problem he has and big mental or technical changes have to be made, he’s still very young and he is continuously learning and developing. But do we think this is something he has to be mindful of or is it a case of just letting him have that freedom at the top of the order ?
You wouldn’t want him feeling inhibited and reluctant to play those gorgeous punches off the back foot that caused his downfall today but I know I want to watch him bat for longer than he does at times when he’s dismissed to a relatively unforced error. I’m sure with age and experience his shot selection will inevitably improve, so I’m not sounding the alarm by any stretch, just wondered what people thought ?
He has an average of around 45, for an opening batsman that has to played most of his games on South African decks against the new ball that do plenty it’s already impressive enough, he’s just probably that good I expect that average to rise further just wonder if that is through his current style of play or with a more pragmatic approach.