ISLAMABAD: South Africa’s stand-in captain, Aiden Markram, was forced off the field due to injury during the first innings against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday.
Markram had been leading the team in place of regular captain Temba Bavuma, who was ruled out of the match due to illness affecting the squad.
Opener Tony de Zorzi was also sidelined for the same reason, with Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs replacing them in the lineup.
South Africa got off to a strong start, dismissing England opener Phil Salt in the first over and No. 3 Jamie Smith in the third. However, after slipping to 37-3, Harry Brook and Joe Root added 62 runs together.
Brook’s dismissal then triggered a collapse, with England quickly losing wickets, slipping from 99-3 to 129-7.
Leaving the field
In the 29th over, it was revealed that Markram had left the field due to hamstring discomfort. Cricket South Africa (CSA) later confirmed, saying: “Aiden Markram is experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring.
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As a precaution, he will not field for the rest of the innings and will bat only if needed. Heinrich Klaasen will captain for the remainder of the match.”
Television replays showed that Markram likely injured his hamstring while diving to stop a ball in the inner circle.
While he typically bats at No. 5 for South Africa, he cannot return to bat until his team has been batting for as long as he has been off the field.
However, he will be allowed to bat if South Africa loses five wickets before that time has passed.
