Aiden Markram was run out three runs short of a century on Test debut after he and Dean Elgar put on 196 for South Africa's first wicket on the first day of the first Test against Bangladesh at Senwes Park on Thursday. South Africa were 198 for one at tea after being sent in to bat, with Elgar unbeaten on 101. Markram, 22, was largely untroubled as he made 97 off 152 balls before a mix-up when both players were approaching their centuries in what proved to be the last over before tea. Elgar, on 99, played a ball from Mehidy Hasan towards backward point. Markram set off for a run but was sent back and stranded well short of his ground as Mominul Haque's throw reach Hasan. Markram hit 13 boundaries. Two balls later Elgar reached his ninth Test century off 176 balls with seven fours and two sixes. South African captain Faf du Plessis said he was "very surprised" when Bangladesh's Mushfiqur Rahim won the toss and decided to bowl.

South African batsman Aiden Markram raises his bat as he celebrates scoring half century (50 Runs) during the first day of the first Test Match between South Africa and Bangladesh on September 28, 2017 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Pic/AFP