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The batsman’s courageous unbeaten 110, defying a ferocious barrage of short-pitched bowling from Australia’s 90mph men, dragged England back into the series on day one of the third Test.

But the 30-year-old said the moment he raised his bat in front of his mum and dad, Janet and Dawid Snr, was one of the most memorable of his career.

“It was so emotional, I didn’t know what to do I nearly started crying to be honest,” he said.

“It happened and to do it in front of them. The amount of sacrifices my old man and mother have made along the way to get me here.

“It was nice to repay them for all the time they have given me.”

His parents had travelled from South Africa to be in Perth and Malan added: “You always think about making a hundred when you are lying on your bed but it just all disappeared in a bit of a blur.

“We made the headlines for the wrong things and the only way to put those things to bed is to win games of cricket.

“The other games we did lose and we lost comprehensively, but there were times we were on top.

“Australia put their foot down in those crucial moments and we weren’t good enough.

“Hopefully in this game we can make sure we capitalise on the moments we’re on top.”

Australia’s three quicks – Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins – appeared to finish the day nursing a few aches and pains after bowling 60 overs in 30 degree heat.

(Image: GETTY)

But Malan said there was no let-up in their speed and aggression.

“Most innings I have faced this trip I have been peppered by these guys,” he added.

“They are all quality seamers and they bowl good pace. It is tough to work out a way to play it, whether taking it on or duck it. The wicket early on felt quite steep.

“But I’ve really enjoyed all the pace that these guys have come with.

“In county cricket you are more worried about your front pad getting blown off or nicked off with the 70 or 80 mph dibbly dobblys.

“I have really enjoyed the challenge of facing these guys.”