Aiden Markram celebrates after scoring his fourth Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

South Africa opener Aiden Markram scored a career-best 152 as his side claimed the upper hand over Australia on the opening day of the fourth Test in Johannesburg.

Electing to bat first, South Africa made a solid start to their innings as Markram and Dean Elgar amassed a 53-run partnership before Elgar was dismissed by Nathan Lyon for 19.

Markram and Hashim Amla kept the runs flowing with an 89-run partnership, during which Markram sailed past his half-century, before Amla was caught by Peter Handscomb at second slip off the bowling of Pat Cummins for 27.

Markram and AB de Villiers continued to torment Australia as they forged a 105-run stand, during which Markram registered his hundred.

The 23-year-old eventually went on to make 152 off 216 balls, which included 17 boundaries and a six, before he was removed by Cummins.

Cummins struck again the very next ball as he trapped South Africa captain Faf du Plessis lbw for a golden duck.

De Villiers and Temba Bavuma halted Australia’s charge with a 52-run partnership before De Villiers was caught behind off the bowling of debutant Chadd Sayers for 69, which came off 119 deliveries and included seven boundaries and a six.

AB de Villiers struck his 46th half-century in Test cricket

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Sayers sent Rabada packing two balls later, but Bavuma and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock ensured South Africa didn’t lose anymore wickets as they put together an unbeaten 14-run stand before stumps was called.

Bavuma finished on 25 off 50 balls, which included two boundaries, while De Kock struck a solitary boundary during his 12-ball seven.

Cummins was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Sayer snapped up two and Lyon chipped in with one.

South Africa ended day one on 313/6 and will continue batting on Saturday at 10:00 local time or 08:00 GMT.