In Gqeberha, Ryan Rickelton managed to tighten his game and excel after being moved up the batting order. For some time, he had doubts about his ability to translate his domestic success into international cricket. Having been close to a Test century in his first innings batting at No. 3, he faced uncertainty when he was on 98 and questioned whether he had actually hit the ball before being saved from an lbw call. Ultimately, he decided to challenge the umpire’s decision, which proved fortunate when replays confirmed he had made contact.
In the post-match press conference, Rickelton admitted he initially believed he hadn’t hit the ball at all, recognizing that he might have got lucky. However, relief washed over him just two balls later when he completed his century. He expressed that his previous years with the team had instilled a belief in his capabilities at the international level, while also highlighting the persistent self-doubts that plague all athletes.
Rickelton's performance not only helped rescue South Africa from a precarious position but also showcased his preference for batting in the top three, where he has historically been most successful. Despite the challenges posed by early wickets, he remained focused on his game plan and credited his teammate Temba Bavuma for alleviating pressure during their partnership. Despite his eventual dismissal, Rickelton felt confident that South Africa was poised for a strong score.