Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey

Aiden Markram scored an important second innings half-century to help propel South Africa to a series win over West Indies in Guyana. He combined for a 79-run opening stand with Tony de Zorzi, which proved crucial in a low-scoring game along with the contributions of Kyle Verreynne (59) and Wiaan Mulder (34).

Markram’s 51 is one of his standout knocks away from home. Before this knock, he was averaging just 21.8 after 25 innings outside South Africa, with a single century. At home, he averages 43.5 with 1,914 runs and six centuries in 45 innings, including one of the great centuries in the shortest result Test in history against India in Cape Town.

Aiden Markram in Tests: A contrast

Markram, who made his Test debut in 2017, is touted as one of South Africa’s great talents. However, the right-hander runs the risk of not fully realising his potential, particularly if he can’t sort out the numbers away from home to help elevate the Proteas to a more consistent batting lineup.

Out of his 596 runs away from home, 221 came in a single two-match series in Pakistan in 2021. If you remove that, his away average drops down to 14.42.

Of course, there are caveats. Markram alone isn’t responsible for South Africa’s batting performances, which have been inconsistent at best over the past five years. Also, the limited Test cricket South Africa play also makes it a challenge to find consistent form, evident in the fact that Markram has played just 39 Tests in seven years. Couple this with all the white-ball cricket on the calendar, and it’s a challenge for any South Africa player to find the groove.

However, Markram has the talent and still should deliver more than he has. He is a gifted player with a technique that can deliver great success, with refinement. With limited red-ball cricket opportunities, it is training – both physical and mental – that is crucial for a player like Aiden Markram to succeed consistently at Test level.

His half-century in Guyana was one where intent in attack and defence was the cornerstone of his innings. He ended up being dismissed to one that stayed low off the spin of Gudakesh Motie, but the Proteas were playing from in front from that point thanks to both the efforts of their bowlers and the crucial opening stand.

If South Africa are to make a miraculous run to the World Test Championship (WTC) Final – which is possible with Bangladesh (away), Sri Lanka (home) and Pakistan (home) to come – they’ll need runs at the top from Markram. If he delivers, anything is possible.