Markram calls for freedom and intent against Aussies

South Africa T20 captain Aiden Markram says he wants his team to play with freedom, take the game on, and entertain.

The Proteas face Australia in three T20Is and three ODIs, with the first match taking place in Darwin on Sunday.

The series will also mark coach, Shukri Conrad’s, second series since taking over as all-formats coach of the national cricket team, having lost out in the final of the Tri-Nations series against New Zealand last month in Zimbabwe.

Speaking to the media in Australia ahead of the three-match T20 series against the Baggy Greens, starting Sunday at TIO Stadium, Markram highlighted the team’s new blueprint, citing freedom as one of the key elements that define their approach under Conrad.

“Already, we’ve had quite a few changes in personnel. Some guys have moved on. We’ve got some younger guys in the squad as well. So, it’s really just about unlocking the guys to be the best versions of themselves — play with absolute freedom, take the game on, and entertain,” Markram told the media on Friday.

“That’s what T20 cricket is all about. We know that if we play good cricket against whichever team, it’s going to be entertaining and a good show for people to watch. So that’s where we’re at mentally — trying to unlock that from the players themselves.” he said.

As far as conditions are concerned, the Proteas have never played in Darwin, Markram has also cited that they don’t know much about the conditions in the small town.

“I’m not too sure (about the nature of the conditions), to be honest. There’s not too much data to work with either. It’s been quite a long time since a game was played here. So, we don’t want to read too much into it — just take it in our stride on game day,” said Markram.

“We’ll try to get a feel closer to the time. Obviously, we’re still two days out, so it’s a bit early to make a call. But we’ll assess things again tomorrow and hopefully start building a picture.”

🇿🇦✈️ The Proteas Men are headed Down Under!

A thrilling white-ball tour awaits as they take on Australia in a T20I and ODI series as part of vital preparation for the upcoming World Cup in 2026. 🏆🏏

📺 Don’t miss a moment of the action with all matches live on SuperSport 🔥.… pic.twitter.com/U5161AD6WS

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) August 1, 2025