Proteas' Rickelton targets T20I breakthrough ahead of Australia series

Proteas batter Ryan Rickelton aims to cement his spot at the top of the order in the T20I side during the upcoming three-match series in Australia, as the Proteas look to find a settled squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Rickelton, though he has secured a place as an opener in the Test and ODI squads, is yet to make a mark in the shortest format, having scored only one half-century in 13 innings with an average of 20. However, the left-handed batter has all the shots and batting tempo to succeed as a T20I opener, as proven in the SA20 and IPL earlier this year.

Coach Shukri Conrad has also backed Rickelton, making it clear that he will open the batting in Australia.

The 29-year-old told the media on Wednesday that, whether he opens with 19-year-old Lhuan-dré Pretorius or Aiden Markram, he will not change his natural brand of cricket, as it fits the vision of the current T20 side.

“I can honestly say I'm still trying to establish myself in the T20 side. From my own personal point of view, luckily enough, there is experience around me within T20Is, such as Aiden and Rassie,” said Rickelton.

“I don't think there’ll be any expectation for me to change anything in what I've been doing these last two years. It's just an opportunity for me to hopefully claim that opening spot for the South African side going into the T20 World Cup and beyond.

“So, definitely not trying to change the way I play. I think the way the team is structured, it fits the mould and how they want me to play, too.

"So, pretty comfortable with what's required. Always looking to take or make that first punch and get the side off to a good start, no matter who's alongside me at the top.”

The Proteas will face Australia for the first time since they beat them at Lord’s in the World Test Championship final in June. Rickelton said the squad takes confidence from that result, despite the change in format.

“It is a different format, but I think the Lord's victory instilled belief not just within the group, but within the wider cricketing community in South Africa. It definitely gives us confidence that we can do these things we speak about and dream about,” he said.

“It's a different format, a crazy format — anything can happen, and the game can change in the space of a few deliveries.

“So, we're looking forward to trying to take momentum from a few months ago, especially with the guys coming back as well, and trying to win a series here in Australia.”

Rickelton, alongside Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs, returns to action for the first time since the WTC final, after being rested for the tour to Zimbabwe. The southpaw revealed that, while they may not have understood the reason for the break at first, they now feel refreshed and hungry to return.

“It’s been a few of us who’ve been on the road for quite a period of time, and before the break comes, you might not really be looking forward to it or understand the need for it. But I think, looking back now, it was really beneficial to me,” said Rickelton.

“I chatted to the guys who’ve been on break — Aiden, Tristan, Marco, KG — they look really chuffed with life. KG’s raring to go again. Aiden looks like he’s got that spark in his eye again. He’s keen to get going as well.

“So, it's important to just have that switch-off. The exposure you have to cricket can be a little bit too much sometimes. So, to be able to step out is quite nice.

“And if you look at the rest of the year, all the way through to the end of the IPL next year, it’s pretty packed — not just for the five of us, but for the collective group as well.

“So it's important to have that break, and the five of us are very chuffed with it. I'm very chuffed with it. And like I said, we’re happy to be back and really ready to go.”

The Proteas will play three T20Is and three ODIs in Australia, with the first T20I set to get underway on Sunday, 10 August.