Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne hit a century on day two of this week’s second Test against Pakistan.
This century is Verreynne’s first in Cape Town. Newlands is his homeground. He has worked with former Cape Cobras head coach and batting consultant Ashwell Prince for several years.
Prince’s wife, Melissa, passed away recently.
“I lost my dad a few years ago, so I probably can’t relate to exactly what the three kids are going through,” said Verreynne.
“Ashwell was someone who became a father figure to me and helped me through my life for the last couple of years. So, to see what he and the kids are going through is really, really difficult.
“Every time you step into the changing room and you see that Ashwell’s not there, it’s really hard. We’re just trying to embrace it and do him proud and do that family proud. Hopefully we can get a Test win and sort of dedicate it to that family.”
Verreynne was excluded from the Proteas’ Test XI for the bulk of 2023, but since returning has hit centuries against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. He also has a Test century against New Zealand.
“Towards the end of that first stint of my Test career, I sort of got caught up in technique and what you guys are saying on Twitter,” added Verreynne.
“Since then, I’ve deleted Twitter and now every time I go out there, the only thing I care about is getting runs. I don’t think I’m really scared to get out anymore.
“I think probably before I got left out, I really put a lot of emphasis on how I look and how I get out and stuff like that. Now I’m not too bothered.”
MORE latest Proteas cricket news
- Who were South Africa’s most prolific all-format batsmen in 2024?
- Enoch Nkwe praises Shukri Conrad: This is a great accomplishment
- Proteas qualify for World Test Championship final
- Dane Paterson: To all the haters – this one is for you
- ‘Super emotional’ Corbin Bosch: My dad obviously played for South Africa as well
- Rob Walter: I’m optimistic that when the time comes, we’ll pull together
- Hawks arrest and charge former Proteas pair
- Proteas select Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka for Test cricket
- JP Duminy resigns ‘following a mutual agreement with CSA’
- Heinrich Klaasen: This is ridiculous, disappointing, annoying
- Tabraiz Shamsi: I have decided to opt out of my central contract
- Dewald Brevis: I want to be the best cricketer that has ever lived