Ryan Rickelton has opened up on his relationship with Proteas coach Shukri Conrad.
Having had to bide his time to play international cricket despite making a truckload of domestic runs for the Lions, Rickelton was named in Conrad’s first squad for the series against the West Indies in March 2023 but not selected for the first Test in Centurion.
He was, however, picked for the second Test at his home ground, the Wanderers, ahead of which Conrad said: “He will be a big part of the side, he will be one of those guys, who through performances domestically, knowing his character, who is someone we will start building the Test side around.”
However, Rickelton continued to get limited opportunities and seemingly only secured his spot in the starting XI with a knock of 259 against Pakistan at Newlands in January.
“When he made that statement about me being in the central spot … after what followed, there was turmoil between us. I didn’t want to engage with him, in all honesty,” Rickelton told the Sunday Times.
But the two had frank discussions during last year’s tour of the West Indies.
“He’s been pretty blunt and honest with me and how I fit into his team,” Rickelton said. “Now that he’s taken over the white-ball group, he’s been quite blunt about how I fit in that team as well. I can appreciate that he is really honest. I have a sense that he does back me and my ability. I guess it’s been niggly about what role I play in the side.
“At least I now know, we are grown men, we can have that discussion. It might not always be favourable, but to be honest about what the picture is, where you sit as a player and what your role is – at least you can then be judged accordingly.”
Conrad has already confirmed that Rickelton will open the batting with Aiden Markram for the Proteas in the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, which starts on 11 June.
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
