Rickelton’s maiden ton puts South Africa in command against Sri Lanka
GQEBERHA: Ryan Rickelton’s maiden Test century highlighted South Africa’s innings on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George’s Park on Thursday. The home side finished at 269-7, with Kyle Verreynne (48*) and Keshav Maharaj at the crease to resume on Day 2.
Rickelton, brought in as a replacement for the injured Wiaan Mulder, seized his opportunity but not without a close call on 98. The 28-year-old was initially given out LBW to Vishwa Fernando, but a review revealed an inside edge, sparing him just in time. Two balls later, Rickelton reached his century with a couple of runs, much to the relief of the home crowd. His innings of 101 off 250 balls included 11 boundaries before he fell to Lahiru Kumara, caught at gully by Pathum Nissanka late in the day.
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma also made a vital contribution with a knock of 78, putting together a crucial 133-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rickelton. However, Bavuma fell short of converting his start into a century, gloving a bouncer from Asitha Fernando to be dismissed just before Tea. This marked yet another instance of Bavuma falling after reaching fifty, with only three centuries in his 23 Test fifties.
The hosts started shakily, finding themselves at 82-3 at Lunch. Tony de Zorzi departed for a golden duck in the day’s second over, trapped LBW by Asitha Fernando. Aiden Markram (20) was clean-bowled by Kumara, who also dismissed local favorite Tristan Stubbs for just four. David Bedingham (6) fell cheaply after being dropped twice, eventually miscuing a wild shot against spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka fought back late in the day with the second new ball, removing Rickelton and Marco Jansen (4) in quick succession. Kumara reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets with his dismissal of Markram and played a key role in stemming South Africa’s momentum.
With the series on the line and both teams eyeing a spot in next year’s World Test Championship final, South Africa holds a slender edge, leading the two-match series 1-0 after their commanding 233-run victory in Durban. Day 2 promises more intrigue as Sri Lanka looks to wrap up the South African innings quickly.
