Rickelton revels in 'really, really cool' Proteas partnership with Bavuma

Ryan Rickelton described the "fun" he had in scoring his second Test century in a "really, really cool" partnership with South Africa captain Temba Bavuma.

Opening in a Test for the first time, Rickelton's unbeaten 176 put the Proteas in control against Pakistan on day one of the second Test at Newlands.

But the 28-year-old needed support from skipper Bavuma, who arrived in the middle with his side struggling a little on 72-3.

By the close, South Africa were 316-4, with Bavuma contributing 106 in a partnership of 235 for the fourth wicket.

Rickelton and Bavuma are Lions team-mates, too, and the pair were comfortable working together to blow Pakistan away.

"We bat really well together," Rickelton said. "We don't talk a lot in all honesty; [Bavuma] just emphasised doing the basics for long periods of time. He has been playing incredibly well recently.

"I naturally score quite quickly, and once I was able to take some dismissals out of the equation, I could expand as the game allowed. I did not have to go looking for too much.

And that's stumps on Day 1 of the New Years Test.The Proteas are 316-4 at the close of play and will resume tomorrow at 10:30 with Ryan Rickelton (176*) and David Beddingham (4*).#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/RKZNo30gAr
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) January 3, 2025

"I am bloody chuffed, to be honest; a New Year's Test in Cape Town is something you dream of."

He added: "To share the partnership out there with the captain of South Africa, also captain of the Lions, is special for me, and I like to think for him also. It was just really, really cool."

Bavuma's presence contributed to Rickelton's "enjoyment" in scoring this century, contrasting with the "relief" of his first ton against Sri Lanka last year.

"Last time, it was relief; this one was a bit more enjoyment," he said. "I had fun out there and played more how I like to play the game."