Proteas Test captain Temba Bavuma said he hopes debutant Marques Ackerman can make the opening batting spot his own. Ackerman opened with Aiden Markram in the second Test against Australia at St George’s Park.
Bavuma also admitted that South Africa are still looking for a settled opening pair. The World Test Champions used yet another new top order combination for this match.
“I mean, if I think about it, the last two years, we have been chopping and changing,” Bavuma said.
“So I think, you know, we’re still in that phase where we’re looking for that solidity up front, whoever’s going to partner Aiden,” he added.
Ackerman got his chance after Tony de Zorzi was ruled out with an injury. Ryan Rickelton moved down the order to keep wicket, because Kyle Verreynne was left out of the side.
Rickelton had opened with Markram in the previous seven Tests. His own place has also come under pressure, according to IOL Sport.
He has scored only one half-century since his big innings of 259 against Pakistan. That knock came in the 2025 New Year’s Test at Newlands.
Ackerman’s first Test innings was cut short by rain. He survived a tough opening spell from Australia’s seam bowlers and was five not out at stumps.
The left-hander came into the side with a strong first-class record. Much of his recent success, however, came while batting at number three and in the middle order.
Other South African batters have made the same move before. Herschelle Gibbs became an opener and averaged 47.22 in 68 Tests at the top of the order.
Neil McKenzie also had the best spell of his Test career after he was moved up to open the batting.
“Sometimes certain guys are going to have to do the heavy lifting,” Bavuma said. “But it’s exciting having Ackerman there. Hopefully he can make that spot his own.”
Bavuma said this Test carried extra weight for his team. “This one is probably a little more important. You want to keep the series alive first and foremost, and then there’s the bigger picture of the World Test Championship that we always keep one eye on,” he said.
South Africa ended a rain-hit first day on 20 for two after 12.2 overs. Ackerman, on five, and Bavuma, on four, were due to continue their innings on Monday morning.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Sport. Image: IOL Sport. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Sports desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Tiyani Mathebula writes about sport for Tzaneen Voice. Tiyani covers Bafana Bafana, the Springboks, the Proteas and the PSL, along with athletics, tennis and local club sport. Match reports and previews focus on results, team news, fixtures and what each game means for South African teams and fans.