Rickelton’s first hundred takes South Africa to 269-7 against Sri Lanka in second Test

GQEBERHA, South Africa (AP) — Ryan Rickelton’s maiden century led South Africa 269-7 against Sri Lanka to start the second Test at St George’s Park on Thursday.

Rickelton made 101 after replacing the injured Wiaan Mulder. The usual lower-middle-order batsman also did so from the number 3 spot in the order for the first time, although he could well have been the opener. He was in the middle from second to second to last.

Rickelton’s steadfast attitude, even though he took at least three painful hits to the gloves, supported the Proteas’ two main partnerships; 133 with captain Temba Bavuma and 77 with Kyle Verreynne.

Bavuma, 78, and Verreynne, 48, who were not out, opened as Rickelton kept the pressure on at the other end.

The day would have been South Africa’s, but Sri Lanka took a share of the honors by hitting back right at the death, trapping Rickelton and Marco Jansen.

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AP Cricket: