Srinagar: South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram said his team is braced for another stern spin test as they gear up to face Pakistan in the second and final Test starting tomorrow at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
After being outclassed by Pakistan’s spinners in the series opener at Lahore — where Noman Ali bagged a memorable ten-wicket haul — Markram believes his side has learned its lessons and is ready with new plans to counter the threat.
“We’re expecting more spin. The wicket looks good to the eye, but we knew from day one that spin would play a major role here,” Markram told reporters on the eve of the match. “It’s about applying what we’ve worked on after that first game and coming up with fresh ideas to tackle it better.”
The Proteas skipper confirmed that experienced left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj is fit and available for selection after missing the first Test.
“Kesh is available, that’s why he’s here. It’s great to have him back — he brings a lot of experience and a valuable skill set,” Markram said, expressing confidence in Maharaj’s ability to bolster their attack.
Determined to level the series, Markram said South Africa remains positive despite the setback in Lahore. “It’s very important for us to try and square the series. We’re looking forward to this challenge and believe we can bounce back strongly.”
Speaking about his own form, the 31-year-old opener said he feels mentally and technically well-prepared. “I’ve been spending a lot of time in the nets, working on ways to adapt my game to these conditions. I feel in a good headspace and hungry to contribute and lead from the front.”
Acknowledging the unpredictability of turning tracks, Markram added, “In these conditions, it’s always a guessing game about when the pitch will start to spin sharply. We’ll need to assess it quickly and respond smartly.”
Despite the odds, the South African captain vowed to fight hard. “We know how this game works — things don’t always go your way — but we’ll give it everything with our hearts on our sleeves,” he concluded.
