Durham’s overseas import Aiden Markram has arrived in good spirits and full of confidence ahead of his stint at Emirates Riverside.
After arriving on Friday, the South African batsman has spent the weekend getting to know his new teammates and familiarising himself with the setup.
Markram’s had a busy international summer with South Africa after making his debut in September, which culminated in two centuries against Australia.
The opener faced the English press for the first time this afternoon and reiterated his desire to hit the ground running with Durham.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first three days here, its been really cool,” said Markram.
“It’s a great bunch of guys and the weather’s been good, which is big help for me, and we’re really excited for the games to get started.
“It’s been a nice break since the Australia series finished. I’m coming into this now mentally fresh it’s really exciting.”
Despite being just 23, Markram is no stranger to leadership pressures and is confident of adding to the changing room.
He captained South Africa Under 19’s to a World Cup win and became South Africa’s second youngest ODI skipper during the winter.
“I like to lead by example. I guess any leader does like to be like that.
“I try to offer advice wherever I can, but I’m still young and have a lot to learn myself.
“I’ll always be there for a shoulder to cry on, a bit of advice and a bit of compassion helping players get through tough times. We all know how this game works, it’s not always easy for everyone.
“So that side of things I enjoy and then going and trying to do well on the field”
He also stressed the influence of Durham stalwarts Dale Benkenstein and Ottis Gibson in bringing him to the club.
“I have a very good relationship with Dale [Benkenstein]. He’s the batting coach back home and I enjoy working with him.
“If anyone knows this ground inside and out it’s probably Dale so it’s nice to have spoken to him and I’m going to keep him close to me when I’m here.
“When there’s something that I need an answer to he’ll be the first guy I phone.
“[Ottis Gibson] linked me up with Durham and explained how it is here. It’s exactly what I expected.
“He said it’s going to be tough to come here and open the batting but he also said ‘you’re going to learn quickly’. You’re forced to learn quickly at this level otherwise you’re going to be exposed.”
He was sat alongside Head Coach Jon Lewis, who felt the South African could have a positive effect on the whole squad.
“Sounds like I owe Ottis a beer!” He joked
“He’s a high quality top order batsmen, that’s pretty evident, and showing some really good recent form.
“It’s great for the group that we can have someone who comes in, who is pretty much their sort of age, for most of the squad. Someone who is used to accepting responsibility, used to standing at the front of the group and being the leader, the go to guy.
“That’s important for them to see and it’ll benefit us all.
“It was easy to get in touch with Aiden through Ottis and Dale initially. Then they gave such a high recommendation it was an easy decision for me.”