While former international star JP Duminy’s brief return to the cricket field as a player was to save his beloved Strandfontein cricket side from relegation, he inevitably had to share in some boundary talk with fans while even indulging in a lunchtime offering of biryani, with some aunties.

Duminy, who played 46 test matches, 199 ODI’s and 81 T20s for South Africa and recently relinquished his position as batting coach of the Proteas, could however not prevent his side from a four-wicket defeat to Primrose in a Western Province First Division match at the Strandfontein sport complex on Sunday.

Star player JP Duminy turned out for home side Strandfontein, in a WPCA First First Division league match against Primrose, at Strandfontein on Sunday: Picture: Mark Ward

“This is the beauty and privilege of playing in local communities and touching base with the local game is priceless. Well the result did not go our way, but there is still hope for our side. But my return is not permanent as I’m still busy with some commentary work on the Champions Trophy taking place in Pakistan at the moment. But for the rest, I’m taking a break from coaching and will also be putting in some work in my JP21 Foundation. So, yes in taking things easy,” said Duminy.

Although Strandfontein managed to beat St Augustine by four wickets on Saturday, their relegation fate seemed sealed after Sunday’s defeat. Duminy, however, didn’t fare too well with the bat and was bowled out for five while his bowling hauled in two wickets (2/24).

Primrose young gun, Jihaad Abrahams swipes and misses the ball during a WPCA First Divison League match against Strandfontein, on Sunday. The wicketkeeper Taariq Moodley of Strandfontien. Picture: Mark Ward

Jihaad Abrahams, a Grade 12 pupil at Wynberg Boys and aspiring opener for Primrose who faced Duminy soon after the lunchtime break said it was great facing the veteran cricketer.

“But I was confident because it’s not the man you are facing but the deliveries he bowls at you. I’m still young and facing such players so early in one’s career can only be good.”

Rylands, meanwhile, have been crowned First Division champions after winning their last against Hottentots Holland by 70 runs at the AW Mukuddem Oval in Rylands on Sunday.

Opener Taariq Chiecktey ended the season as the top run scorer in the division with 836 runs followed by his captain Jack Newby on 744.

While Primrose ended their season with the match against Strandfontein, Victoria is still in the hunt for the second promotional spot to the Premier division.

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Veteran Duminy back in action for Strandfontein