The Betfair Interview: JP Duminy

England Cricket / Jamie "The Pacman" Pacheco / 16 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

"England denying Graeme Smith a runner as they knocked us out of the Champions Trophy in South Africa, will add some niggle to this series."

Since emerging during South Africa's series win over Australia, JP Duminy has become one of the Proteas' key men. He was also one of the few positives for the Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL and top-scored in the T20 Champions League. We sat down with the batsman for a quick-fire Q&A about the South Africa v England Series.

What sparked the sudden rise from fringe player to star man of the international stage?

JP: I put it down to a shift in my mental approach. The turning point was obviously the series in Australia. I'd had a bit of time travelling with the team, getting to know the guys, and finally understanding what was required. I had to overcome a bad start from 2004, and it took a while to make the changes, but that Australia series set me on my way.

After what happened in the ICC Champions Trophy the last time you played England (England denied Graeme Smith a runner) will there be added niggle this time round?

JP: Definitely. The incident you refer to, plus the fact that they knocked us out of the Champions Trophy in South Africa, will add some niggle to this series. We were also turned over in the last one-day series in England. We have a big incentive to go out and show everyone what we're really about. But what's in the past is in the past and I'm sure the series will be played in a good spirit.

If you could choose one England player to miss the Series who would it be?

JP: That's already been taking care of - Andrew Flintoff.

Now then, time to spill the beans on your team-mates. Who is the...

Joker: Charl Langeveld, it's fantastic to have him back in the team.

Lousy in the morning: Besides myself I can only think of Mondi (Zondeki) but he's not in the squad this time round. All the other guys are jacked up in the mornings.

Metrosexual: Bouch (Mark Boucher) has taken over from Herschelle.

Resident DJ: Again Bouch, he's got good taste and a wide variety.

We're giving you a £100 charity bet. What's the money going on?

JP: I'm a big Man United fan so it will be on United winning the league this year. I'd like the proceeds to go to the Red Cross Children's Hospital in Cape Town. It's a specialist hospital that does a great job for the community but relies on private funding.