Markram a future Test captain: Smith

Those who watched Aiden Markram compile his fourth Test century on day one in Johannesburg not only witnessed a young opener at the top of his game but a future Proteas Test captain, says former skipper Graeme Smith.

Markram, after his 152 on Friday, is now the leading run-scorer in the series and has more runs in his first 10 Tests as an opener than any South African in history.

It's a tremendous sign for South African cricket on two fronts: they have a dependable batsman to partner Dean Elgar at the top of the order; and at 23, a potential leader on their hands when current skipper Faf du Plessis calls time on his career.

Du Plessis, 33, is in the twilight of his playing days and Smith believes Markram could be the man to take over the reins as early as next year, though he cautioned rushing him into the top job.

The right-hander was made captain for the final five one-day internationals against India last month after du Plessis broke his finger in the series opener in Durban.

South Africa lost four of those five matches under Markram to suffer a 1-5 series defeat and, like all strong leaders, the youngster took responsibility for the loss.

Smith did not agree with Markram's appointment as ODI captain and wants to see him establish himself at international level before given another shot at leading his country.

"He's touted as the next South African captain," Smith told cricket.com.au.

"He did well with the Under-19 team (that won the youth World Cup in 2014) when he was in charge and I think stupidly got given a few games against India in the one-day format, which I don't think was really needed at this stage.

"You just want him to going from strength to strength and I'm just really glad he's bounced back from some of those tough losses he had there.

"It hasn't affected his own game, he's just played superbly. He just looks in control and really mature beyond his years.

"I think definitely a future captain. I'd like to see him get a bit of a base in place.

"Maybe when du Plessis, I assume he'll walk away from some formats after 2019 World Cup, that might be the right time for Markram to step in."

There is perhaps no person more equipped to talk about captaining a Test team at an early age than Smith.

At just 22 and with only eight Tests under his belt, Smith was named as Shaun Pollock's successor in 2003, a role he held for 108 Tests and 11 years.

In his third Test in charge, the left-hander made 277 at Edgbaston. A Test later he posted 259 at Lord's. But South Africa would wind up drawing that series against England 2-2.

Under his tenure, results were mixed in the formative years.

In his first 11 series in charge, Smith won only three (West Indies twice, Zimbabwe once) and lost five, twice to Australia and once each to Pakistan, India and England.

But those defeats only strengthened his resolve, and after losing to the Aussies on home soil in 2006, South Africa won 10 of their next 11 series.

In fact, Smith would only lose two more Test series as skipper – both against Australia – but in that time, he beat the Australians away from home on two occasions and guided his country to the world No.1 Test team ranking.

While there was eventual success, Smith said it took the best part of four years for him to feel comfortable as captain.

"Looking back now, 22, was hit or miss, really," Smith said. "I was really fortunate early on I was able to score runs as a young captain, but I was very up and down in terms of results and how the leadership went.

"It took me a couple of years.

"Around 25-26 I started to really understand the job and grew up and built a team that we ultimately went on to be successful."

Captaincy might be a few years away for Markram, so for now, he'll look to improve on his already sterling Test record.

"He looks very organised, he looks like he understands his game very well for a young man," Smith said.

"But then on the cricket front he's positive, his timing is something that really stands out for me.

"Really strong through the off-side, always looking to take the game on at any opportunity to score.

"He dominated the first two sessions for South Africa in terms of run scoring and as a young man it's wonderful to have him in South African cricket."

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, AB de Villiers.

Australia squad: Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Australia won by 118 runs. Scorecard

Second Test South Africa won by six wickets. Scorecard

Third Test South Africa won by 322 runs. Scorecard

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage