After his 199th ODI for South Africa, which the Proteas won by 10 runs over Australia in their final World Cup game, JP Duminy announced his retirement from all international cricket. DANIEL GALLAN reports.

Duminy departs having worn the Proteas badge for 15 years and has 46 Test and 81 T20I caps, respectively. He was often a frustrating figure, one whose talent only glimmered occasionally, but few can argue that he committed himself wholly to the cause. 

‘I’ve been considering it for the last couple of months and I’ve made the decision that this [game] will be my last,’ he told the gathered South African media after the win at Old Trafford on Saturday. ‘I went into the game with the guys knowing that it would be my last.’

Duminy said he was relieved that he had come to the conclusion, but said he was blessed to have played at the highest level for as long as he did and wanted to thank his many fans for their continued support.

‘On a personal note it has been enjoyable representing South Africa. There have been many lows. There have been some dark times where I thought it may have been the end of my career. But particularly in sport, you find a way to get through it. And that is through the help and support for the fans backing you. So I am thankful for that, not only for myself but for the team.’

Duminy confessed that his numbers, batting averages of 32.8, 36.8 and 38.6 in Tests, ODIs and T20Is respectively, would not place him among the world’s best through history. But he said he was content with that.

He said he wanted to be remembered as a team man and someone who would always give his best for the side in whatever capacity his captain needed.

‘It’s not about the numbers you want to be remembered for,’ he said. ‘It’s about the the person you are.’