South African middle-order batsman JP Duminy who retired from red-ball cricket after a dismal series against England last year has said that Test cricket is the ultimate format of the game.
Since then he has started concentrating more in ODIs and has become a core member of the team. That he now is a full-fledged limited overs specialist for South Africa, he can become a key factor in South Africa's aim for World Cup glory in England next year.
Duminy admits that focusing on one-day cricket has helped him develope a particular style of play.
"In terms of not playing four-day and Test cricket, it's sort of narrowed my focus, which is good. I kind of identified how I would want to play the game and what style of cricket I want to play and just commit fully to that," said Duminy at the Cape Cobras season launch.
On Monday, Proteas team-mate David Miller announced that he will quit red ball cricket but will be available for all forms of limited-overs cricket for the national side and the Dolphins.
Miller, who hasn't played a Test match for the Proteas, had a solid first-class career (averaging 36.32) - similar to that of his ODI career where he averages 36.97.
Regarding Miller's decision, Duminy said "It comes down to the individual and what their preferences are," said Duminy at Newlands on Wednesday."
"I think in terms of David it's purely a strategic move, him trying to solely focus on giving himself the best chance for the World Cup squad. I don't necessarily see that the game is going to die in the near future, I think the excitement and love for red ball cricket and specifically Test cricket is most definitely still there."
He concluded by praising the format of Test match cricket as further claimed it to be the ultimate format of the game.
"I still believe the ultimate format is four-day cricket. You want to become a Test player, you have to play four-day cricket. There's no better feeling than getting a Test cap or scoring a Test hundred no matter what format you play that's always going to be the ultimate" Duminy concluded.
(Inputs from Sport 24)
