Duminy apologises to South Africa fans for World Cup debacle
South Africa all-rounder JP Duminy has apologised to the team’s fans for their dismal performance at the 2019 World Cup.
With just one win from seven games so far, South Africa are already out of the race for the semi-finals. The performances have drawn widespread criticism of the team, and Duminy opened up on own frustrations, ahead of the clash against Sri Lanka at Durham on Friday, June 28.
“I think it will be amiss of me not to mention how disappointed we are, particularly letting all our fans down back home,” the 35-year-old said. “We obviously want to apologise to the public and the South African fans for letting them down. You know when you represent your country, it is always a proud moment and you understand that you represent 50-60 million people. That is a proud moment in itself.
“When you put in performances like that, you in a way almost feel ashamed of that. The most disappointing part has been our team performance, and it’s been pretty dismal from our part. And we wish we could point out one thing that, or the reason why we haven’t performed.”
Duminy, who will retire from ODI cricket after the World Cup, was dropped after three matches in this tournament, and time is running out for him to force his way back in.
Duminy has made over 5,000 runs for South Africa in ODI cricket
“The last thing I would have thought is playing the first three games and being left out, particularly after a retirement call,” he said. “But that’s the nature of the beast, you know. You’re never guaranteed a selection.
“It’s a bittersweet moment for me, wanting to end off on a real high in terms of international one-day cricket, but unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. And I think the important thing for me is when you reflect post-World Cup as to see where I could have done better, but also you’re kind of in a space of awe.
“Why I say that is because you are sort of looking back, not only on a World Cup, you are looking back on a 15-year career, and that’s something that I’m very proud of and very grateful for.”
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