Duminy expects the axe

JP Duminy is resigned to being dropped by South Africa for the Boxing Day Test against Australia despite his heroics in the thrilling first Test triumph at the WACA.

The 24-year-old was handed his Test bow by coach Mickey Arthur due to a thumb injury to vice-captain Ashwell Prince.

He responded with an unbeaten half-century as the Proteas chased down 414 - the second highest fourth-innings victory total in the history of Test cricket - for the loss of just four wickets.

But Duminy does not expect the impressive start to his Test career to necessarily see him remain in the team for Melbourne.

"Ashwell is always going to be the number one player in that spot," Duminy said. "So the minute that he becomes available again and is fit to play, he will take my place and I understand that.

"He has performed well over the last couple of years and he deserves every credit that he gets. I am grateful for the opportunity that I have got.

"It's been a good start to my career and hopefully it will not be the last."

JP Duminy could find himself replaced by fellow left-hander Ashwell Prince at the MCG

Duminy admitted batting alongside boyhood friend AB de Villiers helped ease his nerves after the pair shared a match-winning unbroken partnership of 111 to stun the hosts.

The Cape Town-born player was delighted he was able to start his Test career in such style and revealed the presence of de Villiers, who struck 106 not out, had made him feel at home.

"I didn't want to portray a nervous and uncomfortable feeling out there," Duminy said.

"I was feeling the pressure but my main objective was to soak it up and take it ball by ball.

"AB and I spoke a lot together and that also helped and it all paid off in the end.

"AB and I have been playing with or against each other since the age of 15 and we have good communication together as well as a good friendship. We were determined to enjoy the moment on the field.

"I have travelled with the team for a number of tours now and that helped to get me well prepared.

"I have seen all the feelings of winning and losing and it was great to be part of a great victory like this and to be part of it at the end.

"Hopefully we can take this momentum into the next Test and pull off another win."