JP Duminy announces retirement from Test cricket
JP Duminy, who was dropped from the team after the Lord's Test against England in July, has called time on his Test career with immediate effect. The 33-year old opted out of the first round of domestic first-class fixtures and has decided to concentrate on the limited-overs cricket.
Duminy had last scored a century in January, against Sri Lanka but has only made 121 runs in eight innings since then. His nine-year Test career came under severe doubt when the national selectors decided to rope in Aiden Markram and Theunis de Bruyn for the England series. Knowing that, the all-rounder decided to call time on his career.
A Cricket South Africa media release confirmed the development on Saturday, and stated, "After long and careful deliberation, I have decided to retire from first-class and Test match cricket with immediate effect. I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege and opportunity to represent my country in 46 Tests and the WSB Cape Cobras in 108 first-class matches
"Test cricket has always been the pinnacle and I've been fortunate enough to experience some memorable highlights with the Proteas and also in first-class matches with the WSB Cape Cobras. In recent years I have been privileged to be a senior member and custodian of a special team environment and culture which has made me very proud.
"In the years ahead, my focus will be placed on attaining limited-overs cricket success for South Africa and the WSB Cape Cobras, along with attending to my young family, who have been incredibly supportive and understanding. I will however not be lost to first-class cricket; I have offered my services to the WSB Cape Cobras and the coaching staff as a mentor/consultant and will be involved as they see fit. There are many talented youngsters coming through our domestic system and I would love to help where I can. I've had the privilege of working with the squad in this role over the last two weeks and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
"I certainly know that my playing career is far from over and my hope is that with the backing of Cricket South Africa, WSB Cape Cobras, teammates, family, friends and supporters, I will be given the opportunity to continue to give my very best to the sport that I love dearly."
Duminy played 46 Tests in his career and aggregated 2103 runs at an average of 32.85. On his debut against Australia in Australia in 2008, Duminy made an instant impact and scored an unbeaten half-century and was involved in an unbroken 111-run stand for the fifth wicket with AB de Villiers to help South Africa chase down a target of 414 - the second-highest successful run-chase in Test cricket. In the next match, the Strandfontein-born all-rounder made 166 runs to carry South Africa from 251 for 8 to 459 and on their way to a series victory.
Now, despite retiring from the longest format of the game, he will continue to play one-day and T20 cricket for both South Africa and the Cape Cobras, and will even lead the Cape Town Knight Riders in the inaugural T20 Global League later in the year.
