Aiden Markram might not have been part of South Africa’s last touring party to India, in 2015, but admits that the comprehensive series defeat still weighs on the current team as they embark on their latest tour.

Markram was still two years away from claiming a Test spot when South Africa hurtled to a 3-0 loss on their last trip to the country, succumbing to India’s relentless spin attack on viciously turning pitches. The loss had brought to an end a successful run in which they were undefeated in 18 of 19 Test series played.

“I remember watching that series a few years ago and it looked incredibly difficult,” said Markram. “And I’m sure there’s a bit of baggage that certain players that were on that tour might still be carrying, but that’s completely fine. I think it’s never an easy tour coming to anywhere in the subcontinent, let alone India. It’s full of challenges, but if we can conquer those challenges it will be really rewarding.”

Markram was speaking to reporters ahead of a three-day practice game in Vizianagaram, leading up to the Test series from October 2. The visitors are chasing their first Test series win in India since 2001, and Makram is trusting a relatively young set of players to infuse fresh energy into the set-up, especially after the departure of trusted veterans AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn.

“It’s nice to be back in the camp. There’s a lot of new faces and it’s exciting times with the change of staff and quite a few new players as well. There’s lots of new and refreshing energy in the camp and the guys look to be in good spirits so we’re looking forward to the series.”

"Despite a rapidly emerging pace attack that can hold its own, spinners have accounted for almost 70 per cent of India’s home wickets [293 out of 419] since South Africa’s last visit in 2015."https://t.co/4LLGX4Y3Zk

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) August 29, 2019

Markram will form the lynchpin to their batting – since his debut, he has scored more Test runs than any other Proteas batsman – and has been a major force at the top of the order. Having put in the hard yards during the pre-tour spin camp, he slammed 161 in the practice game to further prepare himself to the impending spin threat.

“From a personal perspective, it was nice to spend time out in the middle. I took a lot from the A side games and I’m ready to go in the Test matches. It’s always nice to be back in the Proteas environment.

“The guys are positive and upbeat and we’re maintaining a really good language in the change room, a really strong language. At the end of the day, we’re not gonna harp on about conditions, we pretty much know what to expect and we just need to get the job done.”