JP Duminy will not wear the colours of the Proteas again.
The 35-year-old all-rounder from Strandfontein announced his international retirement from all forms of the game after South Africa beat Australia by 10 runs in their final World Cup match on Saturday.
Duminy, who scored 14 runs in his final ODI innings, initially indicated that he would quit the 50-over game at end of the tournament.
It was still expected that he would be available for the T20 format, having captained the side on numerous occasions, but Duminy explains: “I’ve been considering it for the last couple of months and I’ve made the decision that this will be the last.
As one reflect on what has been all I can say is THANK YOU. Thank you Lord for the Blessings afforded for so many years. To my family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters all over the world, thank you for the luv and support. Much luv and peace to all, Here’s to the next💪 pic.twitter.com/HFmkUMa3HH
— JP Duminy (@jpduminy21) July 7, 2019
“I went into the game with the guys knowing that this would be my last one.
“There is a big relief and also an appreciation for an amazing 15 years of international cricket.
“I’m absolutely blessed to have played with so many great cricketers and special humans over the years.
ACCOLADES: JP Duminy bids farewell to international cricket after 199 ODIs, scoring 5117 runs and knocking 69 wickets.
“It’s been a disappointing tournament, but the last week that we had together was really enjoyable.”
Of how he wants to be remembered, Duminy adds: “A team man. Whatever the team required was my mindset.
“Personal accolades are great, but whatever the team needed at any time was always my main focus. I hope that my teammates saw that and it’s something I will be remembered for.”
JP Duminy and Imran Tahir share what they are going to miss the most about ODI cricket! #ProteaFire| #CWC19 pic.twitter.com/lOyHV3QNmp
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) July 6, 2019
Of the win over Australia, captain and Man of the Match Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, says: “I think in all sports you are your best when fresh mentally because it’s that extra 10 percent which we probably lacked in the first seven games.
“It’s the battle of the mind and then that’s possibly something that we can learn from.”
SA are already on their way home and will arrive at OR Tambo at 11am on Monday.