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Ryan Rickelton registered his highest test score as South Africa ended the first day of the second Test against Pakistan on 316 for four at World Sports Betting Newlands in Cape Town yesterday.
The left-handed opener was a key factor alongside his captain Temba Bavuma as the pair registered the highest fourth-wicket stand ever at Newlands, beating the previous best of 197 between Les Ames and Wally Hammond for England back in 1938/39.
“I think the wicket was pretty good, and still is pretty good,” said Rickelton at the post-day press conference. The 235-run stand between Rickelton and Bavuma was the main highlight for the Proteas after Bavuma had won the toss and elected to bat first under cloudy skies.
But once the sun broke through and the early morning clouds dissipated, the home side made merry with the runs.
“Obviously it didn’t go the way we wanted but we have to put the day away and come back tomorrow and try to get them out as cheaply as we can,” said Salman Agha at the press briefing.
Bavuma, who joined Rickelton at the start of the post-lunch session, cracked nine boundaries and two sixes in his 106-run knock.
The fourth test century was wildly celebrated by the captain after helping to put the home side in a dominant position late in the afternoon.
“I don’t know what he was doing, he was so far away from me, but clearly this one meant a lot to him, especially being from this part of the world and getting a 100 on day one of a test is something we all dream about,” joked Rickelton of Bavuma’s celebration.
The pair had resumed after tea on 184 for three and added a further 51 runs to their stand before Bavuma’s demise. – SuperSport.
Online Reporter