South Africa news: Kyle Verreynne thrilled after ‘important’ maiden Test century

A maiden Test century is always special but when your team has their back to the wall and you come up with the runs it makes it that much sweeter as Kyle Verreynne can atest.

Verreynne struck his first Test century to help put South Africa back on top of the second Test against New Zealand.

Having a previous highest score of just 30, Verreyne also notched the highest score by a South Africa number six away from home.

Verreynne’s 136 not out surpassed the 129 the late Tuppy Owen-Smith struck against England at Headingley way back in 1929.

The wicketkeeper batter is under the spotlight as he attempts to fill the void left by the Test retirement of superstar Quinton de Kock.

Those who back the gloveman believe he is more than capable behind the stumps but is also a candidate to bat in the top four.

Verreynne has finally shown what he can do in a Proteas Test XI and we may be looking back at this Test in years to come as a breakthrough moment.

Having resumed with Wiaan Mulder on the fourth morning of the crucial second Test against New Zealand at Hagley Oval.

Mulder and Verreynne added another 52 runs to their overnight stand taking South Africa up to 192 before the loss of the sixth wicket signalled the start of the tail.

Verreynne brilliantly marshalled the less gifted batters and even gave them credit for attacking play that moved the game forward.

“Obviously getting a century is special, but more importantly it was the value that added to the team,” said Verreynne according to Club Cricket SA.

“I think me being there allowed Kagiso and Keshav to sort of come in and play freely and I think the runs that they added at the back end there were really crucial.”

Rabada also struck his highest Test score, before falling just