Ryan Rickelton Hits First Test Ton For South Africa Against Sri Lanka

Ryan Rickelton made a battling century as South Africa overcame a shaky start on the first day of the second Test against Sri Lanka at St George's Park on Thursday. The left-handed Rickelton hit 101 as South Africa reached 269 for seven at the close. Rickelton, 28, has been a peripheral figure in the South African Test team since making his debut two-and-a-half years ago. He was playing in only his eighth Test out of a possible 19 and came into the match with a highest score of 42.

"It's a lot of relief more than anything," said Rickelton. "I take a lot of pride in my cricket and have always felt I could play at this level."

But making a significant mark on the game had proved elusive. "I've been around this team for a period of time. I've been in and I've been out in all formats. To tick it off for myself is probably the most important thing."

Having "jumped at the opportunity to bat at three", Rickelton had to face the eighth ball of the match after Tony de Zorzi was leg before wicket to Asitha Fernando without a run on the board.

South Africa slumped to 44 for three against aggressive Sri Lankan bowling before Rickelton and in-form captain Temba Bavuma (78) added 133 for the fourth wicket with Bavuma dominating the scoring.

"Temba is playing incredibly well at the moment. He was stroking it nicely and it took a lot of pressure off me."

Bavuma, who made 70 and 113 in South Africa's win in the first Test, gloved a catch to wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off Asitha Fernando when Sri Lanka opted to attack the batsmen with short-pitched bowling.

David Bedingham was dropped twice off short balls from Fernando before he was bowled by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya for six.

Rickelton, though, was content to duck under the