Aiden Markram walks off after he agonisingly missed out on a Test hundred on debut. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
Before the 55th over of the opening day commenced, Aiden Markram was destined to score a hundred on Test debut in the Proteas’ first Test against Bangladesh.
On a flat Potchefstroom wicket, the 23-year-old opener looked supremely comfortable in strolling to 97.
Fate, however, had cruel plans for him as he became the only South African wicket to fall in the 90 overs, the hosts ending on 298/1.
His opening partner, Dean Elgar, pushed a ball to backward point and gave a step forward.
It certainly suggested he was on for a run.
Markam jogged down, only for Elgar to change his mind and send him back.
The rookie’s attempt to make it back proved futile – he was run out three runs short of a rare honour.
Elgar sunk to his knees, fully aware of how he sold his partner down the river.
Markram for a few moments looked like he’d seen a ghost.
But that’s cricket.
What the two men could savour though was a first-wicket stand of 196.
It was the Proteas’ first opening partnership of over 100 since December as well as the first of more than 150 in seven years.
Naturally, some fans will be excited about what that means for the future.
And maybe it is the start of a fruitful relationship.
Yet the Proteas need to maintain their perspective.
Exactly why Bangladesh sent them in to bat will forever remain a mystery.
They clearly misread conditions and certainly weren’t helped by some very mediocre bowling.
Elgar soothed his conscience with his ninth Test century and continued his excellent 2017.
He ended unbeaten on 128 but definitely slowed his tempo once he reached his milestone.
Instead, the rest of the afternoon was dominated by Hashim Amla.
He mixed solidity with aggression as he ended on 68 off 103.
It promises to be another long day for the tourists on Friday.