Markram to remain with Test squad

Opening batsman Aiden Markram will remain with South Africa's Test squad in the UK. His availability for the Test series will be determined on a match-by-match basis as he may yet return home for the A series against India*.

With Australia A cancelling their tour to South Africa because of the ongoing pay dispute, the selectors have decided to keep Markram with the senior side to gain experience and provide an extra batting option. South Africa are in the process of confirming a replacement for Australia A later this week.

Markram was initially included in the squad as cover for Faf du Plessis, who missed the first Test because of the birth of his child, and was due to head home on du Plessis' return. Markram did not play in the warm-up match in Worcester or at Lord's because Theunis de Bruyn was preferred and will likely still have to wait his turn for a Test debut. But with South Africa's line-up struggling and pressure on the top four, Markram may yet be called upon.

The Under-19 World Cup winner enjoyed a breakthrough season at franchise level where he finished 10th on the first-class run-charts with 565 runs at 51.36 from seven matches. He captained the South Africa A side in England and scored a century in their match against Hampshire and 71 against the Lions.

He did make an appearance as a substitute fielder in the first Test, but he was unable to get hand on a chance from Joe Root early in the England's captain's first-innings 190, having moved in from the boundary at long leg.