Petersen on Proteas' failure to convert: 'It's not for lack of trying'

Proteas batter Keegan Petersen says his side's failure to convert to centuries is becoming an issue they're aware of following the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh at St George's Park.

On Friday, three batters went on to score half-centuries but soon perished - failing to hit the three-figure mark.

All top five South African batsmen made encouraging starts but failed to convert into meaningful contributions as the Proteas ended on 278/5 at stumps.

READ | Bangladesh stay in hunt as Proteas fail to convert starts on Day 1

Skipper Dean Elgar led from the front as he top-scored with 70 off 89 balls before falling to a soft dismissal off spinner Taijul Islam. 

Petersen then showed his class with a well-played 64 off 124 balls before he was trapped LBW by Islam.

Vice-captain Temba Bavuma played a composed innings as he scored 67 off 162 balls before he fell to Khaled Ahmed thanks to a brilliant slip catch.

Newcomer Ryan Rickelton also made a solid knock with the bat as he made 42 off 82 balls and fell short of his maiden half-century as he fell to Islam.

Petersen states that he is unsure what the problem is but says that they will continue to work on it and get over the mark.

"I don't know to be honest, there's been plenty of chances. Quite a few fifties, but no one could kick on," Petersen told reporters on Friday.

"I think myself including, hundreds keep on eluding us and it's not for lack of trying. I think we are trying to get that big score, but it's just not getting there for us.

"A hundred would put us in a better position, with fifties it kind of balances things out where the hundred would take us ahead.

"It's become a team effort with the lower order having valuable contributions towards the end and we're not