South Africa cricket star Aiden Markram was 'very shocked' by ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town cricket Test

Proteas opener says he felt bad for Australia's players Markram signs up to play for Durham in county cricket

Aiden Markram (vice captain, opening, South Africa): The right-hander is by far the most promising batting talent to emerge from the Cape of Good Hope. Markram was superb when India came visiting earlShow more

Opener Aiden Markram has said South Africa were stunned when they learned that Australia had tampered with the ball during their hard-fought Test series victory.

Australia captain Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft have all since been banned for the parts they played in the scandal during the third Test in Cape Town.

Proteas batsman Markram, who on Monday was unveiled as Durham's overseas signing for their first four Specsavers County Championship matches of the season, said: "We were very shocked.

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"The heat of the series was obviously happening, it was the third Test match and it was a crunch game, and the next thing, the story broke out.

"We woke up the next morning and the guys couldn't believe what happened. It hit home overnight."

Markram added: "It was tough to see what the Australians went through.

"You don't wish that on your worst enemy, so I'm sure they're glad it's done and we're glad it's done.

"It was a really tough series and fortunately, we came out the right side. But it was very tough."