Of all the intriguing personal duels and individual performances to look forward to during the course of the South Africa / India Test series, the re-appearance of fast bowler Duanne Olivier in a Proteas shirt and cap may be the most fascinating. Talking of caps, he was so certain that he would never have use of his ever again that he had it mounted and framed behind glass. Covid protocols prevented him reclaiming it in time to join the national squad upon his recall, but it sounds like he never expected to make the starting XI anyway. Until Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the series with injury. Now he has sheepishly asked for another “if I am selected.”
One of the talking points in this 2nd Test is Olivier's speed. He's been operating at about 127-128kmh on average, as opposed to the 140+ when he terrorised the Pakistani batsmen in his last Test series.
Does anyone know why the speeds have dropped off so much?
Has he got all those 1st Class wickets this season bowling at the 127-128kmh?
He's certainly got a lot of shape in this Test bowling at that slower speed and looks penetrating. But is that going to work on a harder surface where the swing goes fairly early?
I couldn't help reading this column thinking about the Basil D'Oliveira affair albeit more quieter. After watching Duanne bowl, another Proteas player, Marchant de Lange sprang to mind. Hope for the best in the second and final test.
I enjoyed the balanced perspective on a thorny subject for many. Sportsmen are obviously human beings first and thus must make life decisions on what they perceive is best for the future of their families. And Olivier leading the Proteas attack again ultimately makes this a win-win for all SA supporters.
One of the talking points in this 2nd Test is Olivier's speed. He's been operating at about 127-128kmh on average, as opposed to the 140+ when he terrorised the Pakistani batsmen in his last Test series.
Does anyone know why the speeds have dropped off so much?
Has he got all those 1st Class wickets this season bowling at the 127-128kmh?
He's certainly got a lot of shape in this Test bowling at that slower speed and looks penetrating. But is that going to work on a harder surface where the swing goes fairly early?
I couldn't help reading this column thinking about the Basil D'Oliveira affair albeit more quieter. After watching Duanne bowl, another Proteas player, Marchant de Lange sprang to mind. Hope for the best in the second and final test.
I enjoyed the balanced perspective on a thorny subject for many. Sportsmen are obviously human beings first and thus must make life decisions on what they perceive is best for the future of their families. And Olivier leading the Proteas attack again ultimately makes this a win-win for all SA supporters.