Aiden Markram enjoys leading Proteas in T20, and eyes all formats

Markram will lead South Africa for the second time against Australia in a three-match series at Kingsmead, Durban. Despite a 2-1 loss to the West Indies in March, after taking over from Temba Bavuma, he claims this is a role he has wanted for years. 

"I've enjoyed it from the Proteas point of view, I also haven't done too much. Obviously, it comes with its challenges and you have to take those in your strides, but it's a big privilege to be able to do it,” he told SABC Sport. 

“Aiden the kid growing up always dreamt of it, so to have it now, an opportunity to do it now, it is a big blessing and it's exciting," said Markram.

As with the current trends in world cricket, Markram has only been given the responsibility in the shortest format. However, the part-time spinner would relish the opportunity to lead in all three.

"It's not my decision, but 100%, I think you just look for what's best for the team. You get various types of leaders and captains out there in the world and if they feel it's best suited for someone like me then it would be incredible. But I'm not putting too much focus on things like that, but like I said it's a privilege whether be one format or two or three," he added.

The experienced duo of Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj has been named in the squad for the series. Maharaj returns to action for the first time after tearing his Achilles tendon on the fourth day of the second Test against the Windies in early March. Markram believes their inclusion is essential not only for the team but also for his leadership.

"I'll lean on them certainly as well from a leadership point of view. They have both captained the team quite a few times. Temba, being the captain of the tests and the ODI's. So, they'll be my sounding board for sure, but it's great to have them back on the squad as players as well."