Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne welcomed a century on day four of the second Test against New Zealand at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday.
Verreynne’s 136 not out guided South Africa’s second innings to 354 for nine declared.
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The tourists require six wickets for victory, after New Zealand’s second innings slipped to 94 for four. The hosts require 332 more runs to win.
The 24-year-old Verreynne spent almost five hours at the crease for this century. He collected 16 fours and a six and faced 187 deliveries – and shared key partnerships with lower-order batsmen Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj.
Verreynne’s previous Test best was 30 against the same opposition earlier this month.
As a batter at test level, the single most important measurement is scoring hundreds – well batted KV #NZvSA
— Alviro Petersen (@AlviroPetersen) February 28, 2022
What Verreynne said
“Obviously getting a century is special, but more importantly it was the value that added to the team,” said Verreynne.
“I think me being there allowed Kagiso and Keshav to sort of come in and play freely and I think the runs that they added at the back end there were really crucial.
“I didn’t feel like I was batting for my place at all. I don’t think it’s relief, I think it’s more just pride. I don’t know why you would feel relieved about getting a century. I think it’s more just being overjoyed and happy with what you’ve achieved.
“I’ve worked my whole life to play Test cricket and play at this level, and to get across the line and make a contribution like that to the game and the team is something I’m really proud of.
“I’ll be honest with you, mentally you have a lot of doubts about yourself. You read a lot of things that people are writing – there were a lot of questions being asked of me. It was quite challenging.
“I think the important thing for me was to keep that self-belief and keep backing what I’ve done in the past and my preparation.
“I think the tough period I had at the start of my Test career has been important to go through, and hopefully, I am out of that now.”
More about Verreynne and his century
Monday’s century marked the highest score by a South African number six batsman, in a Test away from home, since the 129 the late Tuppy Owen-Smith hit against England at Headingley in 1929.
Verreynne went to Wynberg Boys’ High School – and represents Western Province and Cape Town Cricket Club at provincial and club level, respectively.