South Africa's Aiden Markram Set to Captain Manchester Super Giants

Aiden Markram is set to captain Manchester Super Giants (MSG) in The Hundred 2026 edition after being picked up for £200k. Coach Justin Langer praised Markram, calling him a brilliant player, outstanding human being, and strong leadership figure. Markram will represent MSG alongside his other Super Giants franchises, Lucknow Super Giants and Durban Super Giants. Justin Langer's high praise for Aiden Markram - brilliant player, outstanding human being, and strong leader. Meanwhile, England's white-ball captain Jos Buttler is unlikely to continue as Sunrisers captain in The Hundred, after leading Northern Superchargers for two seasons. But Vettori said that he remains hopeful that Brook could yet lead his side, saying after Thursday's auction: "I think he likes the team, so maybe we can twist his arm and get him there. We'll just wait and see." Sunrisers play MI London on the opening day of the men's Hundred on July 21, two days after England's third ODI against India. The tournament's final on August 16 takes place three days before the start of their first Test against Pakistan. Mark Vettori acknowledges Harry Brook's busy schedule and won't pressure him to commit to Sunrisers captaincy in The Hundred. Brook's Test and white-ball commitments might limit his availability. Other experienced captains like Mitch Marsh, Dan Lawrence, and Zak Crawley are also part of the squad, providing alternatives. Three men's captains had already been confirmed ahead of the auction: Phil Salt (Welsh Fire), Jacob Bethell (Birmingham Phoenix) and Sam Curran (MI London). Sam Billings is the favourite to captain Trent Rockets, Liam Livingstone and David Willey are standout candidates at London Spirit, and Southern Brave could appoint an overseas player. "There are a few leaders in the side already," Hemang Badani, their head coach, said. "[Marcus] Stoinis is one, Stubbsy [Tristan Stubbs] is one. They've done well in recent times: Stoin for his side in the Big Bash, likewise Stubbs winning his first SA20 with SEC [Sunrisers Eastern Cape]. We do see some leaders in the side but we'll have to wait."