South Africa batting coach Ashwell Prince hails Aiden Markram, says ‘He is someone for the big occasion’

South Africa on the brink of ICC World Test Championship victory with Markram's century leading the charge.

Ashwell Prince, South Africa batting coach, labelled Aiden Markram the "man for the big occasion" after the opener steered Proteas towards a famous run chase in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, against Australia on Friday, according to the ICC website. Chasing 282 to win, South Africa are 213 for two at the end of day three thanks to a majestic century from Markram and a gutsy 65 not out from captain Temba Bavuma.

South Africa need just 69 more runs to become champions, and while Australia will refuse to give up hope of a remarkable comeback, the Proteas are firmly in the driving seat as they bid for a first ICC trophy in 27 years.

Markram struck 11 fours in an unbeaten 102, bringing up his eighth Test ton with a gorgeous flick through mid-wicket in the penultimate over of the day.

He struggled to contain his emotions, wiping tears away from his eyes, and batting coach Prince said a small technical adjustment was the secret to his success."

We certainly know he is someone for the big occasion, of that there is no doubt," Ashwell Prince said. "He has done some technical work, but not a lot. In the last little while, he has had a tendency to push his hands away from his body and cut across the ball, but it was not a big fix, and as soon as he saw a few videos, it was simple." "I think [coach] Shukri Conrad deserves credit for staying calm; it is one of his strengths." "As soon as Aiden and Temba came up the stairs, he said we need to do the same tonight as we always do, and tomorrow we do the same warm-up. It's the same processes. We understand the magnitude and what's at stake, but now we stay calm.

"They started Friday morning seeking two quick Australian wickets to leave the target as low as possible, but - despite Kagiso Rabada trapping Nathan Lyon lbw early - Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood dug in.

They put on 59 for the 10th wicket and batted for the entire morning session, with Hazlewood finally out to the last ball before lunch to leave the target at 282.From there, it was all South Africa. While Australia benefited from benign conditions on a flat pitch to convert 144 for eight into 207 all out under the morning sun, it was the Proteas' turn for the rest of the day.Starc removed Ryan Rickelton for six, but a 63-run partnership between Markram and Wiaan Mulder settled the nerves, with runs flowing amid regular boundaries.A sharp Marnus Labuschagne catch sent Mulder back to the pavilion for 27, while Steve Smith dropped Bavuma on two and dislocated his finger in the process, earning him a trip to the hospital for the rest of the day.