Aiden Markram is one of the future stars of South African cricket. The top order batsman had long been earmarked as not only a fine batsman but also a future captain.

And at the age of just 23, he was made the second youngest ODI captain for South Africa during the series against India earlier in the year. The Proteas lost that series 4-1 but Markram’s rise to the top was confirmed.

His form in Test cricket has been especially pleasing. His 94 in Centurion against India was superb and he raised the tempo in the ill-tempered series against Australia, churning out scores of 143, 84 and 152 as the Proteas won the series 2-1 and 3-1 respectively.

Which is why Markram’s sudden loss in form in red-ball cricket is a cause for concern. In his last six innings in red-ball cricket, Markram has been dismissed for a duck on four occasions. That includes three ducks batting for Durham in the county championship and a duck in the two-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka Board XI on Sunday.

Markram is a very important cog of the South African wheel and his form will be crucial in the Sri Lanka series that begins with two Tests. He represent the best of the next generation of South African cricketers and his alarming dip in form will be a cause of concern.