Duminy expresses vote of confidence in attack

He has received a few phone calls from the national spin bowling consultant Claude Henderson about his off-spin – confirming what most astute coaches know – that their one-on-one sessions are paying dividends, said JP Duminy, the Cape Cobras captain.

Duminy has made steady progress as a slow bowler over the years and acknowledged that Henderson’s impact on his bowling has been “massive”.

Duminy has also dismissed fears that the bowling attack, which came under attack from the Knights on Sunday, will repeat their mediocre performance when the Cape Cobras clash with the Warriors in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

“The attack has been exceptional this season,” he added.

Duminy has been the complete package for the Cobras this campaign by scoring 406 runs, contributing with ball in hand and also leading from the front by inspiring his charges.

Pieter Malan, leading run-scorer of the Cape Cobras, said the biggest impact of Duminy has been that he has been leading by example.

Probed about whether Duminy’s presence has lifted the team by 5 to 10%, Malan agreed, saying the players want to perform for the man at the helm of the team.

Duminy said Henderson, a former South African left-arm spinner, and he, had been working on a couple of aspects the past few months and his form has improved.

The fact that he has bowled 10 overs in a few matches has also aided his confidence levels.

The spin twins Duminy and GF Linde could be a factor in slow conditions in Port Elizabeth on Friday in a Momentum One Day Cup match that will determine whether Newlands will host one semi-final.

Ashwell Prince, the coach, said bowlers like Aviwe Mgijima and Malan might even feature as back-up bowlers in Port Elizabeth if the pitch conditions are conducive to slow-medium bowling.

Duminy, in assessing the team’s performances, said the loss by 75 runs against the VKB Knights can only be attributed to the normally impeccable bowling attack not performing.

“We were off the mark and did not execute our plans, and we will be the first to admit it,” he added.

“But there is little worry that the attack will falter again. The fact that the team played in three matches in five days did take its toll on a few bodies, said Duminy. “But we are professional cricketers and it should not be used as an excuse,” he said.

Rory Kleinveldt, he added, has been exceptional as leader of the attack and his aggressive wicket-hunting approach has rubbed off on Dane Paterson.

“The attack has been exceptional under his leadership. His (Paterson’s) desire and hunger has been noteworthy,” said Duminy.

Duminy expects that Mthiwekhaya Nabe’s evolution might even be faster than usual, especially because he is soon joining the national academy.

“He is the type of cricketer who can grow, understand and learn quickly about the game,” said Duminy.