Twitter Reactions: Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ton lifts South Africa on topsy-turvy Day 1 of Gqeberha Test

Ryan Rickelton. (Photo Source: Proteas/X)

South Africa finished Day 1 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at 269/7 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha on Thursday, December 5. This was after Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first.

The visitors got off to a flying start as Asitha Fernando dismissed Tony de Zorzi for a golden duck in the second over. Aiden Markram got himself off to a sedate start but perished for 20, becoming Lahiru Kumara’s 100th Test victim. Kumara bowled a jaffa to get rid of Markram. The right-arm pacer dismissed Tristan Stubbs soon after as South Africa lost three wickets for 44 runs. Bavuma joined Ryan Rickelton, who had replaced Wiaan Mulder in this clash.

The duo weathered the Sri Lankan storm and stitched a much-needed 133-run partnership off 224 balls. Bavuma threw his wicket away after scoring a fluent 78. However, Rickelton continued his innings with great composure. David Bedingham was given a couple of reprieves but he couldn’t make the most of it. The right-handed batter was dismissed for six.

South Africa needed wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne to support Rickelton as Sri Lanka were one wicket away from getting into the all-rounders. Rickelton and Verreynne kept the opposition bowlers at bay and added a crucial 77-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

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Rickelton batted magnificently during his knock and registered his maiden international century. The southpaw departed for 101 off 250 deliveries, after hitting 11 fours. The Proteas would have loved Rickelton to have survived till Stumps. His wicket brought Marco Jansen to the crease. However, the all-rounder was the last batter to be dismissed on Day 1 as Vishwa Fernando picked up his first wicket in the Test match.

The home side ended Day 1 at 269/7, with Verreynne remaining unbeaten on 48. He will look to take South Africa beyond the 300-run mark alongside the tail-enders on Day 2 as the pitch seems to be quite good for batting.

Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to all the intense action from Day 1: