xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_62578" align="aligncenter" width="580"] Markram to lead South Africa in the absence of Faf du Plessis. Image Source: twitter[/caption] Internet Desk: Hosts South Africa is in deep trouble as their skipper  Faf du Plessis will miss the remainder of the One-Day International (ODI) series against India. Du Plessis injured his right index finger during the first ODI at Kingsmead on Thursday, with further assessment and investigation revealing a fracture which will require 3-6 weeks to heal. In his absence young Aiden Markram will lead the side who has played just two ODI matches in his career. Speaking about his appointment, Markram said that it was just a dream come true moment for him. He further added that he would be very happy to take advice from the senior teammates while taking any decisions in the field. "It's a big honour. Obviously, as a little boy you grow up and you want to captain your country one day," Markram said on the eve of the second ODI. "Unfortunately for the team's sake, Faf misses out. It's a big loss to the side. But then the selectors showing confidence in me to take over, it means quite a bit. It's a super humbling experience, but yes, we're going to need to do this for Faf, I believe. What happened to Faf in Durban was a freak incident. Last night, I got the gist of it, that it was probably leading towards me to take the team forward for the rest of the series. I officially heard it first thing this morning. I think it's something that you can't take for granted. I really enjoy captaining, but it's an unexpected thing,” he further added. "I'll keep sending messages to Faf on and off the field asking for advice. I'll definitely consult senior players for the best interest of the side," Markram said. Beside the captaincy, Markram will also bat at No. 3 in the batting order. "Faf's sort of taken me under his wing since I've been involved in the environment," Markram said. "We've spoken a lot and this morning, throughout the training session I've been almost side by side, spending time chatting about plans, how he goes about things, and obviously passing on some advice to take into the game. "I'll keep him close to me, he's luckily going to be here throughout the game. I'll keep sending messages on and off the field, asking for advice, asking for any hints. But at the end of the day, it's going to be my decision to make on the field, though. Fortunately, like Linda said, there's plenty of experience within the squad, and it won't be a decision made just by myself. I'll definitely consult the senior players, obviously for the better interest of the side as well." The Men in Blue is currently leading the six-match ODI series 1-0, after winning the first ODI in Durban.