Proteas openers stroll to 99/0 at lunch

The Proteas opened their test match on the first morning session with a solid opening 99-run partnership of from Dean Elgar (56 off 93) and test debutant Aiden Markram (43 off 69).

Bangladesh won the toss and strangely decided to bowl first on a windy and blustery day in Potchefstroom at Senwes Park. The pitch upon early inspection would be good for batting and the Proteas validated that claim with a good morning display.

Markram took some time to get off the mark, but the first runs were cheered fervently by the Potchefstroom crowd. From there on the youngster impressed with some lovely shot that flew crisply from his bat.

There was one chance for Bangladesh, as a loose cover drive from Markram when on 28 just falling fell short of Mustafizur Rahman at backward point. Rahman was also Bangladesh’s best bowler during the morning session with figures of 0/28 from 9 overs.

Dean Elgar’s ninth half-century was a mixture of patience and precision that included 5 fours. Elgar looks solid at the crease and the Proteas opening pair will look to extend their partnership over the 100 run mark in the afternoon session.

The Bangladeshi bowlers struggled to find any movement off the pitch as SA’s opener strolled on at just under 4 runs to the over with consummate ease.