Aiden Markram ready to contribute as Proteas eye ODI series victory on Pink Day

Markram has not played any cricket since leaving the Hundred tournament in the UK in August due to personal reasons, while he has not donned national team colours since the T20 World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand in March.

The 31-year-old also missed the series opener against the Aussies in Durban on Thursday, which the Proteas won by 67 runs to go 1-0 with two 50-over contests still to play, which will then be followed by the much-anticipated three Test matches.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Markram's preparation ahead of a busy home summer has included spending time in the nets at the CSA high performance centre in Tshwane.

"Yeah, it was nice having a little bit of time off," Markram said. "Under the circumstances, probably not ideal, but it's great to be back, and great that things are looking a lot better at home as well.

"But yeah, nice to catch up with everyone. Naturally, we've all spent a lot of time together over the years, so it's been pretty relaxed.

"There is no prep like match practice, I realise I have have not played a cricket match in some time. One is excited, but it's also about respecting that that is the case, which will affect my approach."

Australia were well ahead chasing a target before collapsing as the Proteas fought back to draw first blood in the opening encounter that certainly ebbed and flowed throughout.

Markram has always saved some of his best performances against the Australians - he scored a match-winning century in the World Test Championship final at Lord's last year - and is expecting another closely fought contest.

"Australia are so similar to us, from a character and presence point of view," Markram said. "Both teams like to feel they're in a battle, like to feel the heat, the competition.

"Both teams bring out the best in them. It's why they always make for a good spectacle to watch, and from the players' perspective it's an exciting series to be a part of."

The annual 'Pink Day' is one of the marquee events of the cricket summer in South Africa, where the home side wear their alternate jerseys in support of breast cancer awareness.

The Proteas have won 12 out of 17 ODIs when playing in the pink kit, but this will be the first time they face Australia on Pink Day.

Markram added: "First and foremost is the cause. There's a lot of guys in our shed, and I'm sure it's the same for the Aussies, where cancer's a thing in life and guys can share those close understandings of what people are going through and when you can play for the cause, it's a great opportunity."

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