South Africa:
Ryan Rickelton’s maiden century spearheaded South Africa to 269/7 against Sri Lanka to start the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday.
Rickelton made 101 after replacing the injured Wiaan Mulder. The usual lower middle-order batter also did it from No. 3 in the order for the first time, although he might as well have been the opener. He was in the middle from the second over until the second to last over.
Rickelton’s steadfast attitude, while taking at least three painful blows on the gloves, backstopped the Proteas’ two main partnerships; 133 with captain Temba Bavuma and 77 with Kyle Verreynne.
Bavuma, 78, and Verreynne, 48 not out, opened up while Rickelton held down the other end.
The day would have been South Africa’s, but Sri Lanka grabbed a share of the honors by hitting back right at the death by snaring Rickelton and Marco Jansen.
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