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Duminy calls time on Test career

Proteas batsman to focus on limited-overs cricket after playing 46 Tests for his country

South Africa batsman JP Duminy has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket, effective immediately.

Duminy's fate in the game's longest format was seemingly sealed back in July when he was released from South Africa's Test squad during the team's tour of England.

The gifted left-hander had made 121 runs from his last eight Test innings at an average of 17.28 with a top score of 39.

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"After long and careful deliberation, I have decided to retire from first-class and Test match cricket with immediate effect," Duminy said in a statement.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege and opportunity to represent my country in 46 Tests and the WSB Cape Cobras in 108 first-class matches overs the past 16 years. It is an experience that cannot be replaced and one I will always cherish.

"Test cricket has always been the pinnacle and I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some memorable highlights with the Proteas and also in first-class matches with the WSB Cape Cobras.

"In recent years I have been privileged to be a senior member and custodian of a special team environment and culture which has made me very proud.

"I certainly know that my playing career is far from over and my hope is that with the backing of Cricket South Africa, WSB Cape Cobras, team mates, family, friends and supporters, I will be given the opportunity to continue to give my very best to the sport that I love dearly."



Duminy played 46 Tests and scored six centuries since his debut in December 2008 in Australia, a tour in which he made a stunning entrance to international cricket with an unbeaten 50 in a world record chase in Perth followed by a match-winning 166 in the second Test to secure South Africa's first-ever series victory Down Under. The stylish batsman made three hundreds against Australia, including a second-innings 141 in Perth just last summer, while he backed it up with scores of 63 and 155 in the home series against Sri Lanka over the Christmas and New Year period.

Duminy delivers century for Proteas

But a string of low scores against New Zealand, and a poor first Test in England, led to the selectors running out of patience with a player who has promised so much but returned only a mediocre average of 32.85.

Duminy will continue to play limited-overs cricket and will make himself available for national selection in the shorter formats, as well as putting his hand up to step into a mentoring role if called upon.

"In the years ahead, my focus will be placed on attaining limited-overs cricket success for South Africa and the WSB Cape Cobras, along with attending to my young family, who have been incredibly supportive and understanding," the 33-year-old said.

"I will however not be lost to first-class cricket; I have offered my services to the WSB Cape Cobras and the coaching staff as a mentor/consultant and will be involved as they see fit."