My Test career with South Africa is over but I hope to play for England, says Duanne Olivier

Duanne Olivier, who turned his back on international cricket earlier this year by signing the Kolpak deal, hopes for an extension to his Test career but with England. Olivier termed the decision as “possibly the most difficult decision” ever since he became the latest high-profile South African cricketer to quit the international scene after his contract with Yorkshire was signed. 

Olivier had featured in the recent 2-0 Test series defeat against Sri Lanka at home, which turned out to be his final Test series for South Africa. He then signed a three-year county deal with Yorkshire and announced his decision on Instagram. He wrote: “My decision might be difficult for some to understand but being a professional cricket player is a short-lived career and in order for me to make the most of all my opportunities, I had to consider all my options,”

Quite ironically, Olivier was chosen as the replacement for the ex-South African fast bowler Kyle Abbott, who signed a Kolpak deal with Hampshire. Since his debut, the 26-year-old has bagged 48 wickets at an average of 19.25 in 10 Test matches. He was also the Man of the Series against Pakistan that saw him take 24 wickets over three Tests, in December 2018.

This is the best decision for me and my family, says Olivier

Olivier, an aggressive fast bowler with great pace, was therefore considered one of South Africa cricket’s biggest treasures since the greats like Steyn and Philander are nearing their retirement. Naturally, Olivier’s quitting was a blow for the Proteas and the fans. However, the retired cricketer has made an unexpected statement that he wants to play Test cricket for England. “I accept that my Test career is over for South Africa but if I do well, hopefully in the future, I can play for England,” Olivier told England’s Daily Mail.

“I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and if you just concentrate on doing well that will take care of itself. I don’t think too far ahead. Yes, it will be a goal to play for England one day and it would be amazing but for now my pure focus is on Yorkshire and just doing well for them. For me, it was just the best decision to make. For me and my family, relocating is the best decision for our future.”

“I realise some people will understand and some people won’t at all but it doesn’t really faze me what they think. At the end of the day, it’s about what I want to do. I want to see things going forward and I feel like my cricket will improve playing county cricket,” he concluded.

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