NEW DELHI: South Africa’s batting coach JP Duminy made an unexpected return to the field during the third and final ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
Known for his distinguished international career before retiring from all formats of cricket in July 2019, Duminy was called upon to fill in as a substitute fielder due to fatigue and heat exhaustion affecting some of South Africa’s players.
The intense desert heat left several of the team’s regular fielders struggling, prompting the team to look for immediate reinforcements.
While it’s unusual for a coach to step onto the field in an active game, Duminy’s experience and fitness made him an ideal candidate to temporarily fill the gap.
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His presence on the field added an interesting piece to the game, showing his willingness to step up for his team even in a non-playing capacity.
Having lost their previous two games, Ireland, meanwhile, put up a strong fight in their final ODI of the series, with Paul Stirling leading the charge by smashing 88 runs.
His partnership with captain Andy Balbirnie (45) helped Ireland to a much-improved total of 284/9, their highest of the series.
Harry Tector also contributed a valuable 60, while Curtis Campher’s quickfire 34 off 36 balls provided a boost in the middle order.
Despite Ireland’s improved batting display, South Africa’s bowlers, especially Lizaad Williams, made crucial breakthroughs.
Williams was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets for 56 runs in his 10 overs.
Ottneil Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo supported well, with two wickets each, ensuring South Africa remained competitive in the match.
Duminy’s impromptu stint as a fielder, however, was the highlight as his enduring connection with the game and the lengths to which the team was willing to go to adapt to challenging conditions were on full display.