South African Batsman Aiden Markram smashed a hundred on the second day of the warm-up game versus the Board President’s XI at Vizianagaram on Friday.
With the first day completely wiped out due to rain, the toss took place on Friday. South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis obtained the toss and decided to bat in the batting-friendly conditions.
India got a breakthrough early in the innings, with Umesh Yadav – who was a replacement to Jasprit Bumrah in the test squad – got rid of Dean Elgar.
Nevertheless, it was Markram who produced the most damage, smashing runs at a modest pace and hit boundaries to all parts of the ground.
There were difficulties at the other end though, as Ishan Porel removed Theunis de Bruyn leg before for 6 whereas Dharmendrasinh Jadeja picked Zubayr Hamza plumb for 22.
Markram was followed by Temba Bavuma, with the two built a partnership that remained till after tea.
Bavuma was the most defendant of the two whereas Markram seemed to take on the opposition bowlers more frequently, ultimately bringing up his hundred after tea.
As soon as Markram reached his hundred, he retired which allowed the South African captain Faf Duplessis to come out to bat.
Bavuma would brought up his fifty but Du Plessis wait at the crease didn’t last long as his outcome is only 9 runs before he too fell prey to Jadeja.
Quickly later the fourth wicket fell, play was suspended due to a rain threat and umpires took early stumps due to bad lighting conditions.
South Africa will look to give some time out for their batsman before their three-match test series against India.
Update till lunch on day-3:
Rohit Sharma just faced two balls at the top of the order before being dismissed by Philander.
