Former South Africa cricketer JP Duminy, who is currently serving as the national team’s batting coach, made an unexpected return to the field during the third and final ODI against Ireland in Abu Dhabi on Monday (October 7).

Duminy walked out as a substitute fielder in the final over of the Irish innings due to fatigue and heat exhaustion affecting some of the Proteas players.

While it's unusual for a coaching staff member to take the field in an active game, Duminy’s experience and fitness made him an ideal candidate to temporarily fill the gap.

Duminy, who retired from international cricket after the 2019 World Cup, was appointed South Africa’s batting coach in March last year. He represented his country in 46 Tests, 199 ODIs and 81 T20Is between 2004 and 2019.

Coming to the match, South Africa suffered a comprehensive 69-run defeat at the hands of Ireland in the third ODI.

Chasing 285 to win, the Proteas innings folded for 215 in 46.1 overs. Jason Smith waged a lone battle with the bat, scoring 91 off 93 balls. Apart from him, no other player in the line-up managed to touch the 50-run mark.

Despite the loss, South Africa clinched the ODI series 2-1 on the back of resounding victories in the first two games.