Ex-Australian captain Ricky Ponting has showered Aiden Markram's majestic century at Lord's with huge acclaim, calling it one of the greatest match-winning performances in a tough ICC final.
Following a disappointing beginning to the ICC World Test Championship Final, during which he was out without scoring in the first innings, Markram made an inspirational comeback.
His effortless 136, studded with 14 boundaries, underpinned South Africa's winning run-chase of 282 on the fourth morning to give the side its first big ICC championship in close to three decades.
When you take a look back at the big ICC events, I think the first thing that probably comes to mind is World Cup finals. And then maybe Travis Head's innings (137) in the World Cup final, and then the recent last World Test Championship final (163).".
"And this one's got to be bang as good as any of those, given the stage, given where South African cricket's been in the last couple of years, and more so their Test side," said Ponting on ICC Digital.
Markram's victory at the legendary ground is all the more remarkable in light of his recent history. Released from the 2022/23 Australia tour after an extended downturn, he has since reestablished himself in the Test game with dominating displays, which included hundreds against the West Indies and India.
"To be in a position to stand up and play like that when your team need you most is what reputations are built on. I reckon everyone's always known how good a player Aiden Markham is. And I have to say, two years ago when South Africa toured Australia, I couldn't understand why Aiden Markham wasn't in the touring party at all. He didn't make the party.".
"And here we are a couple of years on and he's made one of arguably his best knocks. I'm sure if you asked him, he'd probably tell you that that's the knock he's proudest of in his Test career, and I am fairly certain his teammates who witnessed it all go down would probably make the same statement.". So, it's an excellent personal feat for him, and it's a wonderful feat for the South African team," said Ponting.
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