Markram: "We Played Good Cricket in Alien Conditions"

South Africa stand-in captain Aiden Markram was proud to see the way his players responded in a condition unfamiliar to them and helped the side sweep the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Hardly anyone bet on South African chance to win on Bangladesh condition, given their vulnerability against the spinners. They came into the series with no victory in the sub-continent since 2014 and with a squad which had never played in Bangladesh. 

"I am not really good with numbers, proud of the boys, proud of the group. A lot of hard work went into it, it paid off," Markram said after his side completed a series sweep, winning the second and final Test by an innings and 273-run margin. "We played some really good cricket, considering the conditions we are not used to. It's special."

South Africa won the first Test by seven wickets, dealing with Bangladesh spinners astutely. They played sweep and reverse sweep shots to precision to make the bowlers disarray, something which Bangladesh found surprising given the Proteas' shortcomings against spin bowling.

In the second Test, they just outplayed Bangladesh, largely thanks to three batters hitting maiden centuries, which was just second instance in Test cricket's history. Tony de Zorzi hit a superb 177, Tristan Stubbs made 106 and Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten on 106 to put South Africa on top. "They (de Zorzi, Stubbs and Mulder) stuck in there and got the team into a good position (with their centuries.) They put up their individual aspect aside and played for the team," Markram said.

"They could've been satisfied getting to eighty but they pushed on for the team." South African bowlers then led by fast bowler Kagiso Rabada dismantled Bangladesh with ease, paving the platform of a victory inside three days. "The bowlers worked well together. KG (Kagiso Rabada) led from the front, was special to watch him. Everyone took their opportunities. I am Proud of all the three facets of the game," Markram who led the side in the series due to regular captain Temba Bavuma's injury, remarked. 

The series victory put South Africa in fourth position in the World Test Championship point table and bolstered their chance to play the final in Lord's next year.  "It's a long way away, but to be in the mix for the final is what's driving us. A lot of Test cricket is still to be played. We've got to take it session by session, Test match by Test match. Hopefully, we are on that flight to Lord's (for the World Test championship final.)"

Kagiso Rabada who was adjudged Player of the Series for his 14 wickets in the series said: "We quickly turned things around. Our batters capitalized in this game. They put us in a good position, that helped the bowlers to do their job." "Every individual in this team is willing to put their hand up. Different individuals did that for us throughout the series, we know we got the quality, especially in the bowling unit. The game moves on, you just have to keep working hard. I don't look at the rankings where I'm at or whatever, but it's a great motivator to keep going."

Tony de Zorzi who was adjudged Player of the Match for epic 1771 said he is elated to contribute to winning the game. "I am happy to contribute. Our bowling attack did a good job. Winning the toss was good, credit goes to the other batters. We are a young side, winning away from home is good. We will take this confidence going back home."