South African all-rounder JP Duminy announces retirement from Test and first-class cricket

JP Duminy, South Africa all-rounder, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Saturday. The 33-year-old, has played a total of 46 Tests since his debut in 2008 against Australia, scoring 2103 runs at an average of just under 33.

In a statement released by Cricket South Africa, Duminy stated that his main focus will be on limited-overs cricket and also coaching his domestic franchise, Cape Cobras. “It is an experience that cannot be replaced and one I will always cherish. Test cricket has always been the pinnacle and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some memorable highlights with the Proteas.”

Duminy has been plagued by issues both on the field and off the field in 2017. Before the start of the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League, the left-hander, who played for Delhi Daredevils since 2014 announced that he would not play in the tournament due to “personal reasons.”

On the field, Duminy endured a torrid time in. Against New Zealand in 2017, the South Africa all-rounder struggled with the bat in all formats. He performed well against Sri Lanka in Tests but once again failed to make an impact in the limited-overs format.

During the series against England, the pressure for Duminy to hang on to his Test spot grew, with skipper Faf du Plessis admitting that the left-hander was “under pressure”. After managing only 17 runs in the first two Tests, Duminy was released from the South Africa squad as the Proteas lost the series 3-1.

Duminy had a great start to his Test career in 2008 against Australia Down Under. In the Perth Test, he made 50* and helped South Africa chase down 414, the second-highest successful chase in Tests. However, in the Melbourne Test, the left-hander showcased his class as he smashed 166 and shared a 180-run stand with Dale Steyn for the ninth wicket as South Africa registered their first-ever series win in Australia.

South Africa have a packed home summer, starting with two Tests against Bangladesh followed by ODIs and Twenty20 Internationals. Their next assignment will be four Tests, five ODIs and three proposed three Twenty20 Internationals against India in January 2018 followed by four Tests against Australia, reports hindustantimes.