JP Duminy’s 4-47 against New Zealand on Thursday has opened up the idea of him embracing an all-round role for the Proteas.
The Proteas No 4 has had some inconsistent performances with the bat, but proved himself on day one of the second Test with the ball, taking a game-changing four-for.
He only managed 39 and 1 in his two innings of the first Test in Dunedin, and will need to step up his batting performance when the Proteas continue their first innings on Friday.
Talking to the media at stumps on day one, Duminy confirmed that he would like to work harder on his bowling.
‘It’s something that I have been working on for a period of time and unfortunately I haven’t reaped any rewards, but I guess it comes down to opportunities,’ Duminy said.
‘If you look at recent Test matches, our seam attack, coupled with Keshav [Maharaj], have been doing really well. I’ve been getting an odd over here and there, so the opportunities haven’t really been there. When you look at a spinner, it’s got to be a big portion of overs that they have to bowl to get success. Today was one of those days when I got an opportunity to carry on.’
Duminy then turned his attention to the current wicket at the Basin Reserve.
‘It’s probably not a wicket we will think that spinners will dominate on,’ he said. ‘The plan we had to try and get wickets was a good one – to try and bowl a wider line. There wasn’t a lot of purchase for spinners, so I thought our tactics were pretty good.
‘There were periods when they played really well and we were probably guilty of leaking a bit in the middle session. But I thought we brought it back nicely and got some crucial wickets at crucial times,’ Duminy said.
Referring to the run-out and the wicket of BJ Watling, which saw the ball deflect into the back flap of his pad and into the gloves of Quinton de Kock, Duminy gave credit to the pressure inflicted by the Proteas.
‘There are times in the game when things need to go your way, and fortunately for us it happened that way. But I think it comes down to being consistent in a certain area and with that, things will happen for you. That sort of played out today.’
The Proteas will start day two with night watchmen Kagiso Rabada and Hashim Amla at the crease, after losing their two openers. They will resume on 24-2 as the pressure switches to Duminy. who will be expected to put in a solid shift with the bat.
‘Tomorrow will be a big day in terms of where this Test match goes. There will still be a hint of swing with Southee there. so we’re going to have to bat well.’
Photo: John Cowpland/www.photosport.nz
