Duanne Olivier’s Absence from Protea Side Against India Put Down to Injury

• Duanne Olivier was brought back into the South African fold after his Kolpak deal expired but was not selected for the first test
• Injury concerns kept Olivier out of the team that takes on India at Supersport Park, Centurion in the first of three matches
• The Proteas lacked firepower on the first day as Olivier's absence was felt with India scoring freely on day one

Duanne Olivier's absence from the Protea side in the first test against Indian has had many people scratching their heads.

Olivier's omission was noticeable as South Africa's bowlers struggled to make inroads against a strong Indian side.

According to The South African Duanne Olivier was not selected as he was recovering from Covid19. Concerns over a slight hamstring strain also kept him out of the Protea side to face India at Centurion.

Olivier became available for selection again for the Proteas after his Kolpak deal ended, Sport24 confirmed. He is one of many players who returned to South Africa following the expiration of their Kolpak deals.

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Questions raised over Olivier's absence from Protea side

Cricket lovers have questioned just why Duanne Olivier was omitted from the first test at Supersport Park, with many assuming it was due to politics within the sport. CSA's failure to provide an official response earlier also left many jumping to conclusions.

@CricketManaic

"Credit must given to George Bailey and selection committee for selecting Scott Boland for this Boxing Day Test. On the other hand we played a military medium pacer in place of Duanne Olivier."

KL Rahul leads Indian charge on Day 1, Lungi Ngidi shows some Protea fire

India heads into day two of their five-day test against South Africa on the front foot, thanks to a brilliant century by KL Rahul Sports Brief earlier reported.

Rahul notched up 122 not out from 248 balls as India finished the day on 272/3, with Lungi Ngidi taking all three of the Protea's wickets.

Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers, taking 45/3 from 17 overs, as he sought to dismiss the talisman, Rahul.