Rickelton welcomed after 'exciting' Test debut: 'It's nothing to take lightly'

Proteas batter Ryan Rickelton admitted experiencing some nerves in his Test debut against Bangladesh in Durban last week.

The Proteas sealed a 220-run victory to break a winless nine-year hoodoo at Kingsmead and take a 1-0 lead in the two Tests against the Tigers.

Rickelton says he enjoyed his Test debut and understands the significance of such an achievement.

"It was an awesome experience, [and I'm] very honoured to be representing my country. I was given a special task, walking out and stepping onto the Test arena. It's nothing to take lightly," said Rickelton on Wednesday.

"It's something I've dreamt about since I started. It was nice to fulfil it."

Rickelton became the 117th South African post-isolation to make his Test debut and the 25-year-old had the comfort of having his father in the stands at Kingsmead.

"My dad came to watch and we've been through thick and thin together since I was a little boy," he said.

"And for him to get the opportunity to watch me in my Test debut, he was over the moon."

Walking into bat at No 5, Rickelton scored 21 in the first innings before getting undone by paceman Ebadot Hossain. In the second innings, he made an unbeaten 39 and looked composed at the crease. 

Rickelton admitted that the excitement and nerves got the better of him and says he embraced it and tried to make it work for him.

"That was a problem, the excitement really engulfed me and took over my general thinking and I was a bit too expansive and gave my wicket away," said Rickelton.

"It wasn't the first time I've been excited, so what I've learnt before that last Test is when I'm in that state, I just let it happen. It's tough to fight it.

"I calm myself to an extent where you can go and make the best decisions. If you fight it,