‘It will be tough, but exciting’ - Duanne Olivier ready to ‘make a statement’ against Virat Kohli in India Tests

South Africa will have a point to prove as they gear up to host India in a three-match Test series, starting from December 26 with the Boxing Day clash in Centurion. Virat Kohli’s men are eyeing a maiden Test series win in the rainbow nation and are also touted as favourites for this series. Hence, the home team has a stern task at hands.

Notably, the upcoming series would also mark Duanne Olivier’s return in national colours. The right-arm pacer had quit South African cricket in 2019 by signing a Kolpak deal. However, changes in Cricket South Africa (CSA) policy meant Olivier regained eligibility to play for the Proteas side. It must be noted that Olivier was so confident of not making a national return that he had framed his Test cap.

It’s probably the biggest series I will play: Duanne Olivier

However, it seems like the 29-year-old will need his cap again. On being asked about the same, he said: “I am going to have to ask if I can get a new one. Otherwise I need to break the frame,” to ESPNcricinfo. In KL Rahul, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, India has some of the best batters going around, who are proven stars of this format. Olivier is also aware of the same.

“For me, it’s probably the biggest series I will play so, if selected, there will be those pressures. We’re playing against world class players but at the same time, it’s an exciting challenge. Like, I’ll need to bowl to (Virat) Kohli. It will be tough, but it’s exciting,” stated Oliver.

“We’ll be bowling to probably the top four batters in the world. It’s like making a statement to them. We are here to compete. We are not just going to roll over. For me, that’s very important: throwing the first punch, to know that you are here, you are present,” he added.

With Anrich Nortje missing the series due to fitness issues and Oliver leading the wicket-taking charts in the First-Class season, the pacer is set to take the field in Centurion. While Oliver would be raring to make a mark, he accepted getting nervous in the early stages of the contest.