Former South Africa batter, who is currently serving as the team’s batting coach, had to take the field in the third ODI against Ireland on Monday in Abu Dhabi. He made a surprise appearance as a substitute fielder after a few players were fatigued due to intense heat in the UAE.
It was the final over of the Ireland innings when Duminy walked out as a substitute fielder and immediately got into action. Irish batter Harry Tector looked to reverse hit Andile Phehlukwayo’s length ball but got a top-edge. Duminy the batting coach moved to his left at short third and dove fill length to make a fantastic stop.
Coach JP Duminy fielding for South Africa pic.twitter.com/DTppCnT2Cz— cricket station (@ShayanR84472894) October 7, 2024
Ireland won the toss and chose to bat, posting an impressive total of 284 runs. Captain Paul Stirling anchored the innings with a fluent 88 off 92 balls. The Irish openers laid a strong foundation, building a 101-run partnership in 23.2 overs. Stirling was well-supported by Harry Tector, who scored a half-century, while Andy Balbirnie (45) and Curtis Campher (34) added valuable contributions to the total.
Duminy, who retired from the ODIs after the 2019 World Cup in the United Kingdon, was appointed full-time batting coach of South Africa in March last year. He played 46 Tests, 199 ODIs and 81 T20Is for the Proteas between 2004 and 2019.
Coming into the series against Ireland in the UAE, several South Africans have been hit by a series of injuries in their squad, which may have led to the former cricketer stepping onto the field. Captain Temba Bavuma was sidelined from the third ODI due to an elbow injury, and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder returned home for personal reasons. Additionally, opener Tony de Zorzi is recovering from a knee injury and has not played since the first ODI of the series.
South Africa have an unassailable lead in the three-match series after comprehensively winning the first two ODIs. Earlier, a two-match T20I series between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw.
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