Ryan Rickelton, who is the adopted son of Newlands, is preparing for his new position in the Proteas squad before the crucial third test match. Despite having grown up in Highveld and playing all home matches for the Lions at the prestigious St. Stithians College in Sandton, Rickelton has developed a deep attachment to Newlands.
Rickelton admitted that his affinity for Newlands is largely due to personal benefit. It was here that he spent ten hours under the New Year sun, recording his best career score—259 runs. Furthermore, over the last four seasons in the Betway SA20 tournament, he has scored many runs for MI Cape Town, and in three first-class matches in Newlands, he has never left the field without a century.
Ahead of the third test, which starts on Tuesday, Rickelton told reporters: 'It feels good to be home.' He noted that many batters know their grounds where they manage to play well, whether in home or international matches. Returning to a ground where he is familiar with both red and white cricket, and where he has succeeded, brings him a sense of comfort.
Rickelton plans to use these pleasant memories as he adapts to his new role in the Proteas lineup. After two years playing as an opener, he was moved down the order in the last test at St George's Park after taking on wicketkeeping duties for Kyle Verreyn. The thirty-year-old athlete feels some pressure has lifted, but he recognizes his duty to continue working hard, as he did in Gqeberha, where he, alongside captain Temba Bavuma, held off the onslaught of an aggressive Australian attack when Proteas were reduced to 40/4.
He commented on the difficulty of batting at the top order in Test cricket, noting that it is very tough. Rickelton expressed respect for players who have played at the top order throughout their careers. He also mentioned Aiden Markram, noting that he, as a free agent, knows how to restrain himself. In South Africa, he believes the middle order is easier because shots become less intense with age, allowing players to be more expressive. However, having gone through all roles—from number one to six—he considers opening the most difficult position, and the ability to control oneself was sometimes a challenge for him. Now, batting in the middle order, he does not think he can simply relax, especially against such an attack.
As Rickelton is expected to retain his place behind the stumps, Proteas will likely make only one mandatory change, replacing injured Heinrich Nortje with either Dean Patterson or Gerald Coetzee in the starting XI. Both bowlers conducted extensive training sessions on Sunday, while Corbin Bosch worked with Van Wyk on Rickelton's wicketkeeping skills.
