Proteas fast bowler Dane Paterson has combated criticism after effectively quitting South African cricket to play for Nottinghamshire in England.

Paterson collected 12 limited-overs and two Test appearances before signing a Kolpak contract to play in the United Kingdom recently.

‘I’ve signed a Kolpak deal. I’m going to Nottinghamshire. I had a few thoughts, spoke to a couple of guys and from there I just made my decision,’ Paterson told FisMaz TV.

The 31-year-old Paterson is the latest in a long list of Proteas to leave in pursuit of a career abroad, including seamers Duanne Olivier, Kyle Abbott, batsman Rilee Rossouw, spinner Simon Harmer and several others.

‘I don’t worry that much about what the public say. Earlier in my career, I used to be concerned with what people would say. But then again, they didn’t help me to get where I am in my career. At the end of the day, I’ve walked the walk. They didn’t walk the walk for me,’ he added.

Paterson represented the Dolphins before joining the Cape Cobras, who have also lost batsman David Bedingham to the United Kingdom, spinner Dane Piedt to the United States of America and fast bowler Thando Ntini to the Titans.

‘The time I did with the Dolphins for about two years was a massive learning experience. If that didn’t happen, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today,’ he concluded.

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