South Africa news: Kyle Verreynne pays tribute to mentor Ashwell Prince

James Richardson
Kyle Verreynne South Africa

South Africa wicketkeeper batter Kyle Verreynne has paid glowing tribute to former coach Ashwell Prince.

Former Test opener Prince took over at Western Province at a crucial juncture in the career of Verreynne.

Prince has played a big part in Verreynne’s development as a batsman in particular.

While Verreynne used those opportunities to impress and has made it into this team on the back of an impressive First Class record, he is delighted to achieve in the ultimate format and possibly help his country win a Test.

Verreynne said: “To get across the line and make a contribution in this game and for the team is something I’m really proud of.

“At franchise level ‘Ashy P’ definitely had a massive impact in the way I bat and the way I’ve moulded my game, so obviously I’ve got to give a lot of credit to him,” said Verreynne.

“Firstly there is the belief he had in me and all the opportunities he gave me.”

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Verreynne believes that Prince helped him to forge the mental strength which has become such a feature of his game.

The 24-year-old has needed that fortitude to be able to put in performances while there is a lot of chat going on around his place in the side.

Speaking of how Prince moulded his game, Verreynne said: “He was also really good from a technical point of view but also from an approach point of view and how you go about building and innings – he really helped me a lot. In my professional career he’s the one I worked with the most.

“Mentally you have a lot of doubts about yourself, and if you read what people have to say, there are a lot of questions being asked of myself. It was quite challenging.

“Fortunately today went according to plan.The tough period I’ve had at the start of my career, it’s been important just to go through that phase and hopefully I’m out of that now.”

South Africa are well placed to snatch victory and a share of the World Test Championship series in New Zealand.

Verreynne’s 136 not out allowed South Africa to declare on 354 for 9, setting the hosts a target of 426 runs to win.

New Zealand will face the prospect of batting out the day to share the Test and claim the series while the Proteas need six wickets to prevent the Black Caps claiming their first-ever series win over South Africa.