Rickelton, who is enthusiastic about cricket, takes advantage of the opening chance

Rickelton, who is enthusiastic about cricket, takes advantage of the opening chance

By Nick Said

Cricket “happy” Rickelton takes advantage of the opening chance
Cricket “happy” Rickelton takes advantage of the opening chance

CE TOWN, – Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 176 has put South Africa in a strong position after the first day of the second Test against Pakistan on Friday as the left-handed opener believes runs will be crucial in the first innings on the Newlands wicket.

South Africa finished at 316 for four, having slipped to 72 for three at one point, before Rickelton reached his highest Test score in a partnership of 235 with captain Temba Bavuma for the fourth wicket.

The pair scored more than four runs and overs on a pitch where everything is right… for now.

“We knew the wicket was playing well and if we could form a partnership and stretch things out that would always be important,” Rickelton told reporters.

“It will probably be the same tomorrow against the new ball. I feel like it’s brittle and dry underneath so I’m assuming it’ll turn later. Runs in the first inning are always important, so we have to try to maximize them.”

Rickelton, 28, and his provincial mate Bavuma know each other well and had a calming influence on each other.

“We hit really well together,” Rickelton said. “We honestly don’t talk much, he just emphasized mastering the basics over long periods of time. He’s been playing incredibly well lately.”

“Obviously I score pretty quickly and after getting a few sent-offs out of the game I was able to expand as the game allowed. I didn’t have to look too hard.”

“To be honest I’m bloody happy, a New Year’s Test in Cape Town is something you dream about.”

Rickelton has batted in the South African order from three to six, but this was his first time opening the innings as he was forced into that role by an injury to Tony de Zorzi.

He said he didn’t hesitate when coach Shukri Conrad asked him to take the new ball.

“Shukri spoke to me yesterday and said he wouldn’t put me in a position he didn’t think I could handle. I just want to hit, no matter where.”

“I’ve trained a lot against the new ball, but mentally it’s a big challenge and days like today are rare.”

The left-hander’s first Test century came against Sri Lanka last month and he says there were conflicting feelings between the two.

“Last time it was a relief, this time it was a little more fun. I had fun out there and played more how I like to play the game.”

South Africa secured a place in the final of the World Test Championship at Lord’s in June with a two-wicket win over Pakistan in the opening Test of the series.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without any modifications to the text.

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