Duminy ‘excited’ about life after AB de Villiers
THE Proteas are reeling after AB de Villiers’ retirement from international cricket, however, with this change has come new responsibilities and understanding in the Proteas camp.
De Villiers announced his shocking retirement in May, citing fatigue and stated that it was the “right time” to call time on his 14-year international cricket career.
This left the Proteas with a massive hole to fill and even more so with a World Cup looming ahead next year.
Speaking at the Cape Cobras season launch yesterday, former team-mate JP Duminy insisted that there is no added pressure on him or the side to step-up after De Villiers’ retirement.
“I don’t think there is more responsibility, I’m more excited about the opportunity,” said Duminy at Newlands.
“Any batter would like to bat top 3 and top 4 in one-day or T20 cricket, but it’s also understanding the make-up of the team. So if you look back to Sri Lanka, I batted at No 5 for Tribuna Expresso most of the games if I’m playing that is most probably going to be my position.
“In saying that who knows what the future will hold in the next couple of months leading into the World Cup.”
The Cricket World Cup next year in England has become the cornerstone for the Proteas summer as they look to go into the showpiece with a consistent and settled squad.
“I don’t want to put too much emphasis on the World Cup right now, there are couple of tours happening before,” said Duminy.
“I think it’s important to maintain the focus on those tours before we actually put all our emphasis on the World Cup even though it is preparation for it. It’s important for us to gain confidence out of playing well so that’s kind of our main focus right now.”
The Proteas’ next assignment will be against Zimbabwe who they host 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is.
The first one-dayer starts on September 30. — Sport24