Ton against Bangladesh in Mirpur is ‘Best Innings’ for Verreynne

|| CF DESK ||

South African wicket-keeper batter Kyle Verreynne considers his 114 against Bangladesh as the best innings of his career so far. The Proteas’ player explained that facing spin in Dhaka's intense heat and humidity, especially with South Africa in a tough position when he arrived at the crease, made the innings particularly memorable.

Verreynne spent over four hours at the crease to score his second Test century after South Africa had struggled to 99 for 5 in response to Bangladesh's 106 all out.

The visitors ended the first day at 140 for 6 before Verreynne put on a crucial 119-run partnership with Wiaan Mulder, who scored 54. When Verreynne was eventually dismissed on the second day, South Africa had built a commanding 202-run lead on a challenging in Mirpur pitch.

Verreynne rated this innings higher than his maiden Test century in New Zealand, as the Dhaka conditions were far more challenging than those he is accustomed to.

"It is definitely the best innings of my Test career. It is probably the toughest conditions I have played under in terms of heat and humidity. Back home we don't face long periods of spin bowling. Around 90% of that innings was just against spin. Things happen quickly. You don't have much time to reset from a concentration point of view. This was certainly my most rewarding innings,” Verreynne said.

"This (century) felt like better just in terms of the context of the game and the conditions. I think New Zealand is a lot similar to our conditions back home. To do in the continent in quite a tough wicket and tough circumstances, it is probably a better innings. The impact will hopefully be bigger than the first (century). I am really happy with it. It has been a long time since the one in NZ, so it is nice to get in another one."

Verreynne said that the pitch played better in the morning session today but expects it to deteriorate further in the game.

"I think this morning (the pitch) played better than yesterday morning. I don't know if it dried out or there wasn't as much moisture. It seems to be getting tough as the day has gone on, so tomorrow and going further in the Test, (the pitch) will get tougher and tougher" he added.