JP Duminy has laughed off the Springboks’ chances of winning the Festival of Cricket T20 exhibition match at Newlands today and rubbished any suggestion that the Proteas might take it easy on their rugby-playing counterparts.
“I’m looking forward to a few big hits,” the veteran of 48 T20 internationals told Cape Argus yesterday. “Either way, whether it’s smashing runs, or a couple of body blows.”
Bok team manager Bob Skinstad talked up the talent in his squad earlier this week, highlighting fullback Willie le Roux as a man capable of bowling lightning bolts, and hailing wicketkeeper Jean de Villiers’ cat-like reflexes.
“Maybe we’ll have to have a video analysis session then,” smiled Duminy, confirming that the Proteas didn’t train for the showdown with the Boks. The match, scheduled to begin at 6pm, launches a three-day event, with tomorrow’s North v South T20 State of Origin Challenge followed by the opening round of the RAM Slam T20 on Sunday.
Asked about the possibility of a return match in the future, Duminy said: “I wouldn’t mind a rugby game at some point, but I think touch rugby might be more suitable for us...” - Cape Argus