Duminy now a key cog for South Africa in World Cup tilt

MELBOURNE: When JP Duminy finally made his Test debut the first question many people asked was, “How good is South Africa’s top six if this guy can’t make it”.
Duminy had made his ODI debut as a 20-year-old in 2004 but had to wait another four years before making his Test bow on South Africa’s tour of Australia.
Duminy was quick to grasp his chance in Perth, scoring a half century as he and AB de Villiers combined for 111 runs to guide South Africa to the second highest successful run chase in Test history.
In the next match, at the MCG, Duminy calmly rescued South Africa’s innings having strode to the crease at 126 for four, which rapidly became 184 for seven. He combined with bowlers to add 275 for the final three wickets, including a 180-run ninth wicket partnership with Dale Steyn, before he was last out having scored 166.
His composure makes him the ideal finisher in South Africa’s World Cup side, and that quality was on full display in their opening clash with Zimbabwe when he combined with David Miller in a 256-run partnership, with 146 coming from the final 10 overs.
Coming in at number six, Duminy is full of angles, deflections and placement, though he can also blaze away over the top if the situation requires it.
He is a specialist batsman, but he has adapted to team requirements and acts as the side’s second spinner.