Share

Duminy ready to lead Proteas

Johannesburg - JP Duminy is looking forward to taking his bow as a captain, as he prepares to lead the Proteas in a three match T20 series against Australia at the beginning of November.

Speaking to media at OR Tambo International Airport ahead of the Proteas's departure to New Zealand and Australia where they will also play a total of eight ODIs either side of the T20 series, Duminy said he would not captain on a whim.

"It's definitely something I'm looking forward to, leading from the front. I've been part of a leadership group within the side probably for more than a year now," he said.

"I've had a few chats with individuals and guys regarding leadership. I think it's about being authentic as well and trying to be a leader as how I see fit.

"I guess I might get it wrong, but its just a great opportunity for me to see where I stand from a leadership point of view."

The leadership group within the team was one of the keys to their success, with no individual taking sole responsibility for everything.

"You have obviously captains but I think the strength lies in the fact that we can help one another along the journey and if you don't have the answers, you can actually seek the answers," he said.

"Nobody's perfect and has all the answers for everything, so to add another person to that leadership group role, if maybe me, that would be great."

Regular T20 captain Faf du Plessis was being rested for the T20 matches, along with the likes of AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

Duminy said it provided an opportunity for new players to make an impression within the Proteas camp.

While next year's ODI World Cup in Australia and New Zealand loomed large in the horizon, he did not believe the T20 series would be undermined by the eight one day games.

"To represent your country is always an honour, and it's always a privilege so I don't see the T20 series as being undermined in anyway," he said.

"There are a few guys being rested but that's just a great opportunity for guys to stake a claim within the Proteas set-up. There are obviously a few new names there and who knows what performances you put in.

"It might raise a few eyebrows in terms of the one day set-up going forward for the World Cup and also the T20 World Cup coming up in 2016."

The first of three ODIs against New Zealand takes place on October 21 before the Proteas travel to Australia for the T20 and five-match ODI series.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 475 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 263 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE