Rachin Ravindra has converted his maiden Test hundred into a double tonne on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui.
In doing so, the 24-year-old became the fourth New Zealand male cricketer to convert his maiden Test century into 200.
He got there off 340 balls, running a single after post-lunch drinks to bring it up. He spent 16 minutes on 199 before drinks and got to his latest milestone in the first over afterwards.
Batting at No.4 for the first time in a Test, Ravindra added 51 runs to his overnight score to get to 169 at lunch, the Black Caps moving to 330-3. Former skipper Kane Williamson was the only wicket to fall when on 118, the pair putting on 232 for the third wicket.
But while the master departed after celebrating his 30th Test century last night, the apprentice continued and Ravindra impressed with his ball striking, although he had three let offs when edging through the vacant third slip area.
Joined by Daryl Mitchell on another warm day at the Bay Oval, the Black Caps duo put on 59 and appeared set to bat South Africa further out of the Test after the tourists won the toss and elected to field.
The Proteas have, however, impressed with their application with the ball on a pitch which is holding a little and affecting the timing of the batters.
Williamson had a big let off on 112 when he edged a ball from Dane Paterson which bounced millimetres from wicketkeeper Clyde Fortuin’s glove and bounced up to first slip, the third umpire ruling it not out.
Williamson’s mistake occurred three balls after Ravindra edged Paterson through the vacant third slip area for four.
Rachin Ravindra scored a double tonne against South Africa in just his fourth Test match. (Source: 1News)
The man ranked the No.1 male batter in the world was out six runs later when attempting to hit Ruan de Swardt over the top on the leg side but managed only to squirt it to mid off where Tshepo Moreki took a comfortable catch.
It was a surprising end for Williamson who appeared uncharacteristically frustrated throughout his innings as he couldn’t find the fluency he wanted. Regardless, he appeared untroubled only when he tried to force the issue, although his edge off Paterson was a mistake.
It was the previously luckless de Swardt who claimed the honour of taking Williamson’s wicket – his first in Tests. One of six South Africa players making their Test debut, de Swardt watched yesterday as he had both Williamson and Ravindra dropped in the outfield.
Mitchell, batting out of his crease to the seamers, was all action on arrival but he too struggled to pierce the field.
On 149, Ravindra brought up his 150 with a boundary down the ground off the 270th ball he faced. He showed grit and composure to knuckle down a day after the adulation and praise of his maiden ton but will be aware there is more work to do yet.
Mitchell (34) was out caught and bowled by Proteas skipper Neil Brand - a remarkable grab after Mitchell charged down the wicket - after he and Ravindra put on 103 for the fourth wicket.
"All batters have gone in and tried really hard and the bowlers have been really accurate, moving the ball and it's holding in the surface," Williamson told broadcaster TVNZ at the lunch break.
"It's a strong position to be in.
"It was a matter of being patient and getting yourself into a position where we are. The ball would hold a little bit and they've been accurate. The challenge was to be patient and take advantage of the ball that came your way.
"Ravindra is an exceptional talent as we've seen in the other formats. Test cricket is really dear to his heart and getting his first hundred was really special."
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