Aiden Markram leaves the Hundred, Jos Buttler named captain

Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons and will miss the remainder of The Hundred 2026. Manchester Super Giants confirmed the development on August 5, 2026, with Jos Buttler named as the new captain of the side.

New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell has been signed as Markram's replacement. Bracewell is not expected to be available for Wednesday's fixture but is set to feature in the final two group games for Manchester Super Giants.

"Manchester Super Giants can confirm that men's captain Aiden Markram has returned to South Africa due to personal reasons. Everyone at the Super Giants would like to extend our very best wishes to Aiden at this time, and thank him for his contribution to the team during this year's competition," said the franchise as quoted by Cricinfo.

Markram was appointed captain of Manchester Super Giants following The Hundred auction in March 2026. The South African had scored 67 runs across his first four innings before adding a half-century at The Oval on August 2, 2026. He plays for three Super Giants franchises across formats, Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL, Durban Super Giants in the SA20, and Manchester Super Giants in The Hundred.

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Buttler is familiar with the captaincy role at the Manchester franchise. He led the side, then known as the Originals, across the first three seasons of The Hundred, and later gave up the England white-ball captaincy following the conclusion of the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Buttler has been in strong form in The Hundred 2026, scoring 226 runs at an average of 112. Manchester Super Giants won their first two matches but have since lost three in a row, leaving them sixth in the points table and in need of a strong finish to stay in knockout contention.

Bracewell, aged 35, previously played for Southern Brave in The Hundred 2024 and most recently represented Lahore Qalandars in the Global Super League. Manchester Super Giants used the same 11 players across all five matches before Markram's departure, meaning Tawanda Muyeye, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, James Sales, George Scrimshaw and Adam Finch are among those who could now come into contention for a place in the playing XI.