England’s Dom Sibley savours ‘addictive’ feeling of maiden Test century against South Africa

S Africa vs England

January 7, 2020, 8:00am

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“The first one, here against a really good attack, obviously makes you think you can do it, and I just want to keep doing it to be honest,” said Sibley, who resumed on 85 not out at the start of play.

“That feeling was pretty addictive. It doesn’t mean I’m going to rest on my laurels – I’m going to train hard and hopefully peel off another couple this series.

“I think it’s probably one of the best days of my life. I didn’t sleep well last night – 15 runs never felt like so many!

“I was a bit nervy on 95 when I nicked one off (Kagiso) Rabada and luckily I turned around and saw it racing away to the ropes. So it was a massive bonus to get over the line.

“As soon as I saw it, I was thinking ‘even if I top edge it, surely it’s going to go over (fielder) Vernon Philander! Luckily it came out of the middle and went over the rope.

“Cape Town’s a good place for me. I’ve been here on a couple of Surrey academy tours and Under-19 trips, so there are good memories and now another one to add to the collection.”

Sibley’s place in the England side had been called into question after he failed to forge a substantial score during his first three Tests, two against New Zealand and then the first of the current series in South Africa.

He had also been troubled by the left-arm spin of Black Caps bowler Mitchell Santner, then South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj – but stuck with his unorthodox, open-chested batting technique at Cape Town.

However, the tourists’ spirits were lifted by a late strike from James Anderson, who had Zubayr Hamza caught behind to bring nightwatchman Maharaj to the crease.

“We need eight wickets – hopefully we can create eight chances and obviously we’ll have the second new ball at some stage,” added Sibley.

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