Aiden Markram says South African cricketers are “inspired” by the Springboks’ performance in the Rugby World Cup final as they continue their quest for global glory in India.
Just hours after South Africa defeated England by a huge margin of 229 runs in a Cricket World Cup pool match in Mumbai on Saturday, their reigning rugby union world champion compatriots defeated England 16-15 in a tense semi-final in Paris. Defeated by.
The Springboks will now face arch-rivals and fellow three-time world champions New Zealand in the final this Saturday.
“To be honest, we are following rugby like everyone else,” top-order batsman Markram said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Proteas’ pool game against Bangladesh in Mumbai on Monday.
“I think there’s a lot of hype around them at the moment and rightfully so. They’re doing some special things as a team again.
“It motivates us. We try to take inspiration and motivation from them. And of course, their performance to reach another final also gives us extra excitement ahead of tomorrow (Tuesday).”
As well as the huge margin of victory, South Africa’s match against England was also notable for the oppressive conditions, with Proteas century-maker Heinrich Klaasen saying that temperatures of up to 36 degrees made him feel as if he was “batting in a sauna. Were”.
“I definitely think our last game here was a bit disappointing,” said Markram, who took over as stand-in captain against England after regular captain Temba Bavuma was ruled out due to illness.
“We always knew it would be hot and humid in general in India, especially in places like Mumbai and Chennai. But the second night it was quite brutal.”