Rudolph flies high

By Paul Grunill

RUDOLPH'S RECORD 28 Tests 1,697 runs, average 40.40, highest score 222no, 5x100, 7x50 40 ODIs 1,035 runs, average 35.68, highest score 81, 6x50 First-class 5,533 runs, average 40.98, 15x100, 25x50

There was a certain poetic justice in Jacques Rudolph marking his first Test appearance in Australia with a match-saving century.

His opportunity in Perth came just a few days short of four years after he was first selected to play for South Africa against the Aussies.

On that occasion, having been picked for the third Test in Melbourne, he was denied the chance to do so by administrative interference.

Percy Sonn, then president of the United Cricket Board, was unhappy at Rudolph's inclusion ahead of Justin Ontong, one of the non-white players in the squad, and his view eventually held sway.

It must have been a bitter blow for Rudolph.

Two months earlier he had been chosen to make his debut against India, only for the International Cricket Council to withdraw its sanction for the game after the UCB barred match referee Mike Denness from officiating.

But despite his tender years, he took a mature view of the situation in which he found himself in Australia.

"I am obviously disappointed at not having been given the opportunity to represent my country," he said at the time.

"I do, however, not wish to involve myself in any political or selection policy debate, and quite simply just wish to continue playing the game I love."

Rudolph finally entered the list of Test cricketers in April 2003 and made an immediate impact by scoring an unbeaten 222 against Bangladesh.

Rudolph was only 20 when he first toured Australia in 2001-02

It was the highest debut score for South Africa and the second highest in the history of the game - beaten only by Tip Foster's 287 for England against Australia 100 years earlier.

A difficult tour to England followed but Rudolph bounced back by scoring three centuries in the space of six Tests against West Indies, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in 2004.

Although recognised by the selectors as the brightest young batsman in the country, the left-hander's form declined over the months that followed.

And he eventually lost his place during a tour to the Caribbean earlier this year after scored of 0, 24, 8 and 7 not out in the first two Tests.

His inclusion in the tour party for Australia offered a chance to redeem himself but he was told he would probably have to settle for being first reserve as South Africa looked to establish a settled top six.

Fate had other ideas and an elbow tendon injury suffered by Jacques Kallis, presented Rudolph with his chance.

It's about taking opportunities Jacques Rudolph More Perth Test reaction

He went into the Test having made an unbeaten 201 in a warm-up game against a Western Australia XI.

But defying the likes of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee for seven hours to make an unbeaten 102 and save the Test represents a huge leap forward for the 24-year-old from the Transvaal.

"He's got his opportunity in a Test match in tough circumstances and he's come through it with flying colours" was captain Graeme Smith's verdict.

Being able to produce one's best in adversity is one of the hallmarks of a quality batsman.

And if he keeps his place for the two remaining Tests, Australia now know Rudolph will be no soft touch.