Aiden Markram set for 'exciting' Proteas opening role until T20 World Cup

The Proteas skipper has batted at number four for the majority of his 59 T20 internationals but Dewald Brevis took that slot and smashed a maiden century in the second game of the ongoing series in Australia.

With the T20 World Cup on the horizon in 2026, Brevis seems locked in for spot in the middle-order with Tristan Stubbs while David Miller, who is not playing in Australia, is still to return.

Speaking ahead of third and deciding clash against Australia, Markram said: "Going through our squads and the players that we've got around, we think probably that is the best fit.

"We've got some guys in the middle order that are a lot more destructive than myself and we feel probably it's better off for myself and Ricks to be up top.

"I did it a bit at the IPL and am starting to do it now again at international cricket. It's an exciting role. It's always nice to bat in the powerplay and the focus is to get the team off to good starts."

The three-match series in Australia is currently locked at 1-1 with the decider set to be played in Cairns on Saturday, and Markram is challenging the Proteas batters to follow Brevis' lead.

The 22-year-old struck and unbeaten 125 off just 56 balls in the second match to help the visitors to a total of 218-7 and a 53-run victory.

Markram added: "The series so far has been good. The bowlers have been pretty good for us. The previous game made our batters look good, but it was very much an individual performance.

"So a nice challenge for our batters tomorrow to hopefully click and for them to put on a good score."

READ MORE: Proteas target series victory against Australia