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Pressure is always there but that does not affect me: Duminy

Principal Correspondent

Duminy is a key batsman along with Herschelle Gibbs in the Cape Cobras line-up
He reckons that there is no threat to Tests but ODIs may have to change

Bangalore: After a string of media interviews late on Saturday, J.P. Duminy smiled, shook a hand and said: “I am not at all fussy.”

Perhaps it is that state of calmness that helps him march ahead in international cricket and it helps that he is extremely talented. The 25-year old southpaw, busy carving a niche within the South African ranks besides turning out for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, is in town as part of the Andrew Puttick-led Cape Cobras team for the Airtel Champions League Twenty20 commencing here on October 8.

Duminy, who etched his prodigious talent in big bold letters with a defiant 166 in a winning cause against the Aussies at Melbourne during the second Test last December, is aware that he is a key batsman along with Herschelle Gibbs in the Cape Cobras line-up. “Pressure is always there and yes I am aware that I am a key player within the team but that does not affect me. I just stay focussed,” Duminy said.

Duminy believes that his team has the ability to counter a strong Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team in the opening match here on October 8.

“Look, we know them better than they know us. They have some exceptional players, some of the game’s greats. Yes they do have some big South African players (Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher) and we do know their game but they are such good players and that’s why they have been so successful for a long time. We just need to adapt to the conditions quickly and play our best,” Duminy said.

On the current debate over the viability of Tests and One Day Internationals due to the advent of Twenty20, Duminy said: “I don’t think that there is a threat to Tests but yes ODIs may have to change a bit as T20 does affect its prospects. I am not sure about the solutions, may be scaling down the overs or something like that but as far as I am concerned I love playing all the three formats. I love this game and I want to keep playing it, irrespective of the format.”

Well prepared

Meanwhile, Monde Zondeki, a fast bowler still searching for his foothold after a series of injuries restricted his opportunities, stressed that he is well prepared for the Champions League outing.

“I have toured India before and I am aware of the conditions. While bowling, the lines are the same every where but you got to adjust the length out here. You also got to factor in the varying bounce. I am hoping to do well with the team,” Zondeki said.

Meanwhile, the Cape Cobras had a training stint at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday.

The Cobras, along with RCB, Trinidad and Tobago and a local KSCA XI will play a series of practice games in the next few days.

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