Proteas batsman Ryan Rickelton’s first nine Tests were at position three, four, five or six in the batting order. His 10th Test was as an opening batsman – and resulted in a double-century against Pakistan at Newlands.
Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad has since confirmed Rickelton will retain the opening position for this month’s World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in England.
JOIN our Whatsapp channel for more WTC final news
“Shukri has been pretty blunt and honest with me and how I fit into his team. Now that he’s taken over the white-ball group, he’s been quite blunt about how I fit in that team as well,” Rickelton told the Sunday Times.
“I can appreciate that he is really honest. I have a sense that he does back me and my ability. I guess it has been niggly about what role I play in the side.
“At least I now know, we are grown men, we can have that discussion. It might not always be favourable, but to be honest about what the picture is, where you sit as a player and what your role is – at least you can then be judged accordingly.”
Meanwhile, spinner Keshav Maharaj is two wickets away from becoming the ninth Proteas bowler to take 200 in Test cricket.
Maharaj is the most prolific wicket-taker among spinners for South Africa in Test cricket.
“I never really thought about it. For me, it has always been about doing my job for the team. The personal accolades don’t really matter, as long as the team is winning,” said Maharaj.
“Hopefully I can add 200 more before I am done. As long as I can keep getting in the team, I just want to keep improving, trusting my skill set and contributing for the country.”
The WTC final will start on 11 June. Australia are the reigning WTC champions. New Zealand won the inaugural WTC title in 2021.
