South Africa batsman Jacques Rudolph was delighted to bat his way out of a "comfort zone" by striking his second Test hundred in the third Test against West Indies at Newlands on Friday.
Rudolph top-scored with 101 as South Africa reached 308 for six at the close of the first day. The hundred was his first since he scored a double century on debut against Bangladesh in Chittagong in April last year.
"It's been tough after that double hundred against Bangladesh," the left-hander told reporters.
"I really had to stay focused and say to myself that I had to keep going -- stay patient and keep working hard.
"I realised about three weeks ago that I was in something of a comfort zone with my batting.
"I said to myself that I really wanted to start working hard again. I was confident that the big score would come if I could hang in there. Today I capitalised and I'm very glad about that."
What looked to be a good day for South Africa was marred by the loss of three wickets in the last four overs of the day, Rudolph the first of the three to fall when trapped lbw by debutant left-arm wrist spinner Dave Mohammed for 101.
{{/usCountry}}What looked to be a good day for South Africa was marred by the loss of three wickets in the last four overs of the day, Rudolph the first of the three to fall when trapped lbw by debutant left-arm wrist spinner Dave Mohammed for 101.
{{/usCountry}}"It was unfortunate that we lost those wickets at the end of the day," he said.
"Those three wickets will have lifted their spirits and given them (West Indies) confidence to go out there tomorrow and come blazing at us."