A fan held a cheeky banner asking South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton if his mother was single during the third Test against Australia on Thursday. The sign caught cameras at Newlands, sparking laughter and online debate. One commentator said, "I'm not sure he's putting his best foot forward, but credit."
A fan's cheeky banner asking South Africa's Ryan Rickelton if his mother was single caught television cameras at Newlands during the third Test against Australia, sparking laughter and debate on social media.
A cricket fan at Newlands had a rather unusual question for South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton during the third Test against Australia. Instead of asking for an autograph or a photograph, the spectator held up a placard that read: "Ryan Rickelton, is your mom single?"
The cheeky sign, decorated with a pink heart, caught the attention of television cameras during Day 3 of the series decider in Cape Town on Thursday. The moment quickly went viral after South African broadcaster SuperSport shared the footage on social media. | SA vs AUS, 3rd Test Scorecard |
The fan, wearing a cap and sunglasses, appeared to enjoy the unexpected attention. After realising that the cameras had picked him out, he blew kisses, removed his cap and sunglasses, and flashed a smile.
The commentators joined in on the fun, with one remarking: "I'm not sure he's putting his best foot forward, but credit for having a crack, I guess."
WAS THAT A JOKE?
The unusual message became a talking point away from cricket, although it was not clear whether Rickelton had directly acknowledged the sign. The moment also prompted discussion online about the limits of fan banter, given that the message involved a player's family.
"Cricket stadiums are places for passionate support, chants and playful exchanges, but spectators should remember that players are people who deserve basic respect, even in high-pressure sporting environments," an X user wrote on Thursday.
"Don't know what these jokers think, is it really a joke?" another user wrote.
A couple of cricket fans also wondered if the reaction would be the same if this had happened in India.
Rickelton, meanwhile, had more pressing matters on the field as Australia strengthened their position in the deciding Test.
Australia resumed Day 3 at 330 for four, with a slender one-run lead over South Africa's first-innings total of 329. Josh Inglis and Alex Carey continued their impressive partnership, frustrating the home attack as the visitors moved towards a substantial advantage.
Inglis went on to score 102 off 135 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes, registering his second Test century. Carey contributed 80 off 168 deliveries as the pair added 185 runs together before Simon Harmer broke the stand.
Harmer claimed four wickets for 104 runs, but Australia eventually reached 429, securing a 100-run first-innings lead. Marco Jansen took three wickets for 60 runs, while Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee also struck.
South Africa lost Aiden Markram and David Bedingham before tea in their second innings, reaching 53 for two and trailing by 47 runs.
The three-Test series was level at 1-1 heading into the decider, with Australia having won the opener in Durban and South Africa responding with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha.