Markram misses training but expected to feature in Gqeberha Test

Aiden Markram, South Africa's best batter from the Durban Test, did not travel with the squad from Durban to Gqeberha after the first match and was not at either of their training sessions at St George's Park. However, he is anticipated to participate in the second match and will be present on Saturday.

Markram, who returned home for personal reasons, is due to arrive in the city on Friday night. He will more than likely attend optional training on Saturday and is set to be named in the starting XI for the second Test, which begins on Sunday.

In his absence, South Africa trained with a slip cordon of David Bedingham, Simon Harmer (who was in Markram's place at second slip), Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen. Ryan Rickelton, who is confirmed as the designated gloveman in place of Kyle Verreynne, did his drills with a floppy hat on while Verryenne assisted with providing throwdowns.

Rickleton, for the second day in succession, held a long wicket-keeping training session before an equally long batting session. In what appears to be South Africa's first-choice attack, Matthew Breetzke, Marques Ackerman, who will replace Rickelton and move down the order, and Tristan Stubbs, who has been dropped, faced Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Mulder, and Jansen.

All indications are that they will only play one spinner but Harmer's positioning at second slip may not be a sign he will be preferred over Keshav Maharaj. Senuran Muthusamy is also a third option for South Africa.

More pressingly, South African fans will be anxious to know that Markram is available, especially after he received treatment on his shoulder in the first Test. That was described as on-field-treated tightness. He also returned home from the Hundred early and missed the first ODI for personal reasons. It is understood that Markram will be fully available for this match and, barring any injury, beyond.