Big-hitting Tristan Stubbs takes satisfaction from grinding out Test century | Cricket News

Tristan Stubbs (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Tristan Stubbs made his mark as a big-hitting Twenty20 specialist, but the South African batsman revealed after scoring a gritty Test century against Sri Lanka on Friday that red-ball cricket is his true passion.
Stubbs and captain Temba Bavuma both hit centuries to put South Africa in a commanding position before their bowlers reduced Sri Lanka to 103 for five by the close of play on the third day of the first Test at Kingsmead.
Stubbs (122) and Bavuma (113) forged a mammoth fourth-wicket partnership of 249, grinding down the Sri Lankan bowlers. South Africa declared their second innings at 366 for five at tea, setting Sri Lanka an imposing target of 516 runs.
Speaking to SuperSport, Stubbs, 24, acknowledged the challenges of batting for over five hours alongside Bavuma.
“I never felt I was really in; I had to stick to my game plan and be really disciplined. You couldn’t hit on the up really,” he said.
Despite being signed by Delhi Capitals for $1.15 million for the next Indian Premier League season, Stubbs explained that his six-hitting ability is a relatively new skill.
“Through school and university, I was a nudger,” he said. “Since Covid, I got a bit stronger and then I could really hit the ball. I had to find the balance, which took some time.
“I prefer the red-ball game. You can bat for long. It’s a lot more of a mental game. I’ve played very little red-ball cricket, so I’m always learning. But I love it and am just trying to grow as quickly as I can.”
Bavuma echoed Stubbs’ sentiment about the difficulty of batting conditions. “It forced you to stay in your plans,” he said.
The South African skipper reflected on scoring his third century in 60 Tests, a milestone he said was deeply satisfying. “Hundreds are a currency, and there is a lot of confidence that comes from scoring a hundred.
“In terms of the (team) batting line-up as well, we are starting to reach a stage where each innings we believe someone can score a hundred. For me personally, from a mental point of view, I am starting to find a little bit of a formula as to how I can go from scoring not just fifties and sixties but going on and putting the team in a very strong position.”
Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for a record-low 42 in the first innings, continued to struggle against South Africa’s fast bowlers.
The experienced Dimuth Karunaratne fell early for the second time in the match, edging Kagiso Rabada to Stubbs at third slip for four. Pathum Nissanka showed some intent with 23 off 31 balls but fell leg before wicket to Gerald Coetzee soon after surviving a no-ball dismissal from Rabada.
Marco Jansen, who claimed seven for 13 in the first innings, added to Sri Lanka’s woes by dismissing Angelo Mathews (25) and Kamindu Mendis (10). Prabath Jayasuriya, the nightwatchman, fell to a sharp reflex catch off Rabada at short leg after scoring just one.