Markram, Rickelton script this Test partnership record vs India
What's the story
South African opening batters Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton have made history by becoming the first South African pair in 17 years to register 50-plus partnerships in both innings of a Test match in India. The duo achieved this milestone during the ongoing second and final Test against India at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. They overall became only the fourth SA opening pair to do so, and the first since Graeme Smith and Neil McKenzie accomplished it in March 2008.
Record-breaking
Markram and Rickelton's impressive partnership
In the first innings of the match, Markram (38) and Rickelton (35) put up a solid opening stand of 82 runs in 26.5 overs. This foundation meant the visitors posted a massive 482/10. India could only manage 201/10 in response. They followed it up with another good partnership in the second innings, adding 59 runs in 18.3 overs before Rickelton was dismissed for 35. Markram made 29 on this occassion.
Fielding feat
Markram's exceptional fielding performance
The last time a South African opening pair had added over 50 runs in both innings of a Test match in India was Smith and McKenzie, who achieved this feat at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai back in March 2008. Herschelle Gibbs-Gary Kirsten (in Mumbai WS, 2000) Graeme Smith-Andrew Hall (in Kanpur, 2004) are the other SA opening pairs with this milestone.