Kolkata: South African left-hander Jean-Paul Duminy has called it quits on his Test and first class career to focus on playing the limited overs’ format as confirmed by a Cricket South Africa press release on September 16.
“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 overs the past 16 years. It is an experience that cannot be replaced and one I will always cherish,” read the media release.
It further stated, “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.”
Duminy had last represented South Africa in the whites during the first of the four-match test series against England held at Lord’s in July this year after which he was dropped from the team. A handy batsman in the middle order and a part-time right arm off-break bowler, Duminy had also opted out of the opening round of the first-class matches and has decided to solely focus on the limited overs’ cricket.
Barring this, Duminy also said that he would be more than happy to guide the upcoming cricketers as a mentor for his domestic side WSB Cape Cobras.
The release further stated, “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.”
He also went on to add that he still has some cricket left him as the release read,
“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, team mates, 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 had made his Test debut for South Africa back in 2008 against Australia in Perth and has gone on to play 46 Tests in which he has amassed a total of 2103 runs with five hundreds and eight fifties averaging 32.85.
He would still be available for selection in the limited overs’ format for both the Proteas and the Cape Cobras and would also be seen leading his side- Cape Town Knight Riders in the inaugural T20 Global League scheduled to be played later this year.