Former Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier is anticipating a ‘nervous’ debut for Yorkshire next week.

Olivier rejected a Cricket South Africa contract earlier this year to pursue a Kolpak career with Yorkshire in English county cricket.

Prior to the County Championship, he will likely debut against Leeds Bradford Marylebone Cricket Club University. The three-day friendly fixture at Weetwood will start on 31 March.

‘Yorkshire, for me, have a lot of history and tradition behind it. They’ve won many trophies in the past and will again in the future. So when the offer came, it was something I couldn’t give up. I was very happy about it,’ Olivier told the county’s official website.

‘Playing my first game, I will be a bit nervous. But it will be good. Playing Test cricket is unique, but I feel I’ve made the right decision to come to Yorkshire.

‘It’s a new journey for me, and I’m excited to get started. It’s about having fun and enjoying every moment, making new friends and meeting new people. I want to contribute to the club both on and off the field.’

Yorkshire’s opening County Championship Division One fixture will be against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in early April. They will then travel to Southampton for a key clash with Hampshire, who sport the services of former Proteas cricketers Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.

‘We have a young squad at the moment, which is great. We have a couple of senior guys who can guide them along the way. If we can start well against Nottinghamshire and get a couple of wins early, our confidence will be high,’ added Olivier.

‘I’ve seen a couple of games in the past where there’re 3,000 people watching a Championship game. For me, the buzz will definitely be there because I am desperate to do well for Yorkshire and myself.’

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