Kyle Verreynne never felt under pressure for his spot in Proteas team

Johannesburg - While outsiders may have started doubting whether he was the best option in the long-term as the Proteas’ Test wicketkeeper, Kyle Verreynne, said there he had only ever received support from the senior leadership and management in the squad.

The 26-year-old lit up Hagley Oval with a sparkling maiden Test century on Monday finishing on 136 not out that helped to propel the Proteas to a powerful position at stumps on the fourth day.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be backed. I’ve got the sense that I’ve got time, and need not worry about filling anyone’s shoes, just stick to what I’m doing and I’ll come right,” Verreynne said after play on Monday.

His innings, along with some brutal batting by Kagiso Rabada, who scored a Test best 47 off just 34 balls, saw South Africa set New Zealand 426 to win the second Test. At stumps the Black Caps were 94/4.

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Although Verreynne is playing in just his seventh Test, the fact that he was replacing Quinton de Kock, whose retirement after the first Test against India last December, shocked the squad, was going to weigh heavily and make comparisons inevitable.

“I’ve never been made to feel that I am Quinny’s replacement. His retirement came as a shock to all of us, but from the next day (the senior players and coaching staff) gave me the backing and support that this is my spot. Obviously there will be comparisons, but I’ve never been made to feel that I am filling his shoes,” said Verreynne.

His best score before Monday’s effort had been 30, and in the first innings of the current match he was out tentatively pushing at the ball.

“Mentally you have a lot of doubts about yourself, and if you read what