![Aiden Markram attains a new WTC record [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793102209115_AidenMarkram.jpg?type=hq)
Aiden Markram attains a new WTC record [Source: AFP]
Aiden Markram continued to strengthen his credentials in the longest format as South Africa made an impressive start to the third Test against Australia in 2026.
The opening batter reached a significant career milestone during the first session at the crease, adding a massive feat to his World Test Championship record.
Aiden Markram’s achievement came amid a dominant opening stand that put the visitors in a strong position and helped them rewrite a long-standing record against Australia.
Aiden Markram joins Temba Bavuma in elite WTC list
Aiden Markram became the second South African batter to cross 2,000 runs in the World Test Championship, joining skipper Temba Bavuma on the exclusive list.
Markram reached the milestone during South Africa’s first innings in the third Test against Australia, taking his tally to 2,013 runs.
Bavuma remains South Africa’s leading run-scorer in the WTC, with 2,277 runs to his name. The milestone came in the 27th over of South Africa’s innings when Pat Cummins bowled a good-length delivery outside off stump.
Markram moved forward to defend but edged the ball past a diving second slip, allowing it to race away for four runs. The boundary brought the morning session to a close and marked a memorable moment in his WTC career.
Markram went into lunch unbeaten on 56 off 87 deliveries, having struck nine boundaries and a six. At the other end, opening partner Marques Ackerman provided equally strong support, ensuring South Africa finished the opening session without losing a wicket.
South Africa rewrite opening-session record against Australia
South Africa’s start to the third Test was significant beyond Markram’s individual milestone. The visitors reached 140/0 by the end of the first session on Day 1, recording their highest score in the opening session of a Test without losing a wicket.
The previous benchmark was 126/0 against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein in 2017. South Africa surpassed that mark with an attacking display from both openers, putting pressure on Australia’s bowling attack despite being asked to bat first.
The opening partnership also produced another notable record. South Africa registered their first century opening stand against Australia after being asked to bat first, going past the previous best of 87 runs between Adam Bacher and Gary Kirsten at Gqeberha in 1997.
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