'You have to...' - Kevin Pietersen praises Aiden Markram for his match-winning knock in the WTC final against Australia

According to Kevin Pietersen, Aiden Markram's century in the World Test Championship final against Australia was the finest South African hitter's innings in the game's longest format. The Proteas ended their ICC title drought with a 5-wicket victory because of Markram's cool-headed 136 off 207 balls. 

Aiden Markram helped South Africa win by hitting 14 boundaries and forming a crucial connection with skipper Temba Bavuma. His knock earned him the title of Player of the Match. In an interview with the broadcasters following the game, Pietersen acknowledged that while it might not have been the most exciting or aggressive knock, it was an exceptional one when you take into account the pressure, the occasion, and expectations.

"Probably the best innings any South African batter has ever played in Test match cricket. It might not go down as the most attacking or entertaining if you look back at South Africa’s Test history. But when you factor in the expectation, the stage, and the pressure after failing in the first innings, it was extraordinary. "Whether you're a batter or a bowler, when your country is counting on you and you have to deliver, that pressure is immense," said Kevin Pietersen.

Pietersen said that Markram was under a lot of strain with the early loss of Ryan Rickleton. “He lost (Ryan) Rickelton early, yet still went on to produce something truly magnificent. “It’s hard to even describe the kind of pressure he was under,” said Markram.

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Aiden Markram shares his thoughts on the knock. 

After getting out for a duck in the first innings, Markram entered his game-winning knock, and he said that ultimately, luck was on his side. It was a great day, according to South Africa's opener, who was delighted to meet the Lord's supporters. "Weird how things work out; you get a duck. Ultimately, you get lucky and it works out. It will, yes. Lord's is a place where every Test cricketer wants to play. Plenty of South African fans were there, and it was one of those special days. "It's not always one-sided; you absorb the pressure, and it was about maximising the scoring options," said Markram.

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