Ryan Rickelton gets to his maiden Test double-century
What's the story
Proteas's versatile player Ryan Rickelton proved his mettle as an opener with an unbeaten 176 on Day 1 of the 2nd Test versus Pakistan in Cape Town.
On Day 2, Rickelton raced to his maiden double-ton in Test cricket.
South Africa scored 316/4 on Day 1. On Day 2, they lost David Bedingham early on (323/5). Thereafter, alongside Kyle Verreynne, Rickelton amassed 148 runs.
After Verreynne's dismissal, Rickelton added 86 runs alongside Marco Jansen. He was finally dismissed for 259.
Career milestone
Rickelton floors Pakistan with a solid 259-run knock
Rickelton's 259 came from 343 deliveries. He smashed 29 fours and three sixes.
On Day 1, he added a 235-run stand alongside Temba Bavuma (106). Thereafter, he was part of two more solid stands which deflated the visitors.
Mir Hamza dismissed the batter in the 132nd over.
Rickelton has raced to 616 Test runs. He averages 41.06. This was his 2nd Test century. This was also his best score in First-Class cricket. His previous best score was (202*).
Player perspective
Rickelton's focus on scoring Test runs
Rickelton was asked to open with Tony de Zorzi missing.
In a press conference on Day 1, he said, "Shucks (coach Shukri Conrad) spoke to me in the nets and told me he wouldn't put me in a position he didn't think I could do (handle)."
"I said to him, I just want to bat, it doesn't matter where. The biggest challenge is mentally ... but I just want to bat and score Test runs and play for this team."
Match strategy
Rickelton and Bavuma's partnership strengthened Proteas
Rickelton and Bavuma's partnership was key in stabilizing the Proteas's innings after they were reduced to 72/3 before lunch on Friday.
Rickelton admitted Pakistan had won the day's opening session but remained confident about their strategy.
He said, "I thought we lost that session, after Aiden (Markram, 17) and myself did a good job up front initially, but losing those three wickets gave them the session."