India’s tour of South Africa might be uncertain with the way the new variant Omicorn is spreading in southern parts of the African continent, but one thing that is getting more certain with each passing game in the current South African First-Class season is that Kolpak returnee Duanne Olivier will be making his international return in the upcoming series against India.
The 29-year-old has claimed 28 wickets in four games playing for the Lions in the Four Day Franchise series, the premier South African First-class tournament. He returned back to his home nation after the end of the Kolpak system earlier this year. He used to play for Yorkshire in English domestic cricket as a Kolpak player, not overseas.
Asked if he is now willing to play for South Africa once again, Olivier said, "I am open to everything but I am trying to think of the present and not the future at the moment.”
“Victor Mpitsang (convener of selectors) phoned me and asked me if I was open to playing for South Africa again and I said of course I am. It's up to the selectors if they want to include me," he added confirming that he is in the scheme of things of the South African system.
The Groblersdal made his international debut for South Africa four years ago against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg. He has so far played 10 Tests and taken 48 wickets in them with 6/36 being his best performance in an innings. The right-arm quick has got three five-wicket hauls to his name already in a short career.
With Lungi Ngidi being away from active cricket for quite some time, it seems like Olivier will partner Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje as South Africa’s top three strike bowlers against India. The series is scheduled to begin on De ember 17 with the first Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.