Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier says his comment in 2019 about wanting to play for England was taken out of context.
Olivier has been included in South Africa’s 21-man squad for the upcoming Test series against India.
His last Test appearance for South Africa was against Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth in February 2019. He then ended a burgeoning international career for the foreseeable future by signing a Kolpak contract with Yorkshire.
With Brexit ending Kolpak deals, Olivier returned to South African cricket this year to play for the Lions and is the leading wicket-taker in the Domestic 4-Day Series, with 28 at an average of 11.14 and a strike rate of 23.1.
Since being recalled by the Proteas, Olivier’s comment about wanting to play for England has resurfaced, with some on social media asking if he should be allowed to represent South Africa again.
In an interview with City Press newspaper, Olivier said the comment had been taken out of context.
“People can take it out of context, but at the end of the day, if you sign Kolpak, it’s not like rugby – you give up your alliances here [to be seen as an English player on the county circuit] … that’s what Kolpak means.
“Obviously, it was taken out of context and I’m sorry if I offended anyone. I’m not the person I was four years ago; nobody understands the situation I was in four years ago and that’s fine. I’m different now and all my focus is on what I can do now.”
Olivier admitted the criticism that came with his Kolpak contract did affect him.
“It’s never nice to get broken down, not one person likes it. When people don’t understand your situation, what you’re going through or what mental head space you’re in, it’s easy to say you’re not great.
“It’ll always be difficult for people to understand that – it’ll never change. But you can control what you bring into your life by dictating if you’re going to listen to advice or not. A few years ago, maybe, I was immature and struggled when people criticised me and took it to heart.
“Sometimes you need to just shut it out, but it’s difficult because today’s life is so social media-driven. Sometimes it’s good to just take a step back from it – people say it won’t affect you, but, at the end of the day, it does. I learnt to shut it out and it made me feel better.”
