Markram hits century, his partner in the stands grabs eyeballs

When Markram was finally out for 152, just after reaching his first ever 150, Nicole joined in with the entire Wanderers to give a standing ovation to the opener, whose innings had enabled South Africa to end Day 1 at 313 for 6.

Nicole's reaction in the stands reminded many of Indian opener Rohit Sharma and wife Ritika.

The entire South African dressing stood up but even the official broadcasters had their eyes glued in on Nicole and her frenetic reactions.

She jumped in joy and hugged AB de Villiers’ wife Danielle, who was also sitting right next to her when Markram got to his century.

Markram played one of his best innings, scoring a career-best 152 and Nicole, sitting in the galleries enjoyed every bit of it.

Markram struck his fourth Test hundred, joint fastest with former captain Graeme Smith in nust 17 innings to have Nicole rejoice in joy at the stands.

On Friday, day one of the final Test match against Australia at Wanderers, that smile was the broadest.

When Markram was run out for 97 on debut, his long-time partner was spotted in the Senwes Park stands wiping away tears of disappointment. Since then the former U-19 captain has more often than brought broad smiles on the face of Nicole.

In his short international career, South African opening batsman Aiden Markram has always kept everyone on the edge of their seats, but none more than his girl friend Nicole O’Connor.