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Markram acknowledges 'big opportunity'

Cape Town - Aiden Markram knows he has an opportunity to make the troubling opening position his own when he makes his Test debut for South Africa against Bangladesh this week.

The 22-year-old will be the latest player to be given a crack to partner Dean Elgar in the Proteas' two-Test series against the Tigers, starting in Potchefstroom on Thursday.

Over the last 12 to 18 months the Proteas have tried a number of options with Stiaan van Zyl, Stephen Cook, Theunis de Bruyn and Heino Kuhn - who have all failed to impress at the top of the order.

Markram, who captained South Africa to the U19 World Cup title in Dubai in 2014, will not be putting to much pressure on himself though.

In comments published on the TimesLive website, Markram said: "I know that this is a very big opportunity and responsibility and I don't take it for granted.

"I don't want to put myself under any sort of pressure. It is a reality that is here but I won't allow it to affect me too much."

The right-handed Markram, who warmed up for his Test debut with scores of 119 and 87 for the Titans in a domestic first-class that was completed on Friday, is looking forward to opening the batting at international level with franchise team-mate Elgar.

The duo put on 52 and 184 in the recent encounter against the Dolphins and Markram said Elgar's presence alongside him will be invaluable.

"We have a good understanding of each other's games and how we operate. I am excited to go with him (Elgar)," said Markram.

Proteas Test squad for first Test against Bangladesh:

Faf du Plessis (captain), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Duanne Olivier, Wayne Parnell, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada

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