Ryan Rickelton’s maiden Test ton anchors Proteas’ recovery against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha

Ryan Rickelton scored a maiden Test century as the Proteas reached 269/7 at stumps on day one of their second Test against Sri Lanka, played at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Thursday.

Like the first Test in Durban, the Proteas were slow out of the blocks and lost wickets early as the visitors started strongly.

Having come to the middle in the second over after the Proteas lost Tony de Zorzi for a first-ball duck, Rickelton, along with skipper Temba Bavuma, played a key role in stabilising the home team's innings.

Rickelton and Bavuma shared a 133-run partnership for the fourth wicket, and when the captain was eventually dismissed for a well-played 78, South Africa had recovered to 177/4. Much like he had done in the first Test in Durban, Bavuma came to the rescue when the team needed him.

There was a bit of drama for Ricketlton, who at 98, was given out by the umpire after he looked like he had been trapped LBW by Vishwa Fernando. However, he was given a huge sigh of relief when the review found that he got an inside edge onto his pad. Two balls later, he reached his century, much to the delight of the fans who were in attendance in Gqeberha.  

A further 77-run stand between Rickelton and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne put the Proteas in a much better position.

Rickelton was eventually dismissed for 101 off 250 balls when he played a sharp back-of-a-length ball outside off, off the bowling of Lahiru Kumara and was caught by Pathum Nissanka at gully.

Stumps were called after Marco Jansen, the star of the first Test in Durban, was bowled by Vishwa Fernando for just four runs.

The Proteas will resume day two at 10am on Friday, with Keshav Maharaj expected to join Verreynne, who ended the day on 48 runs from 84 balls.

Scorecard

South Africa first innings 269/7: Ryan Rickelton 101, Temba Bavuma 78, Lahiru Kumara 3/54, Asitha Fernando 2/67

South Africa lead the series 1-0

IOL Sport