CAPE TOWN: Fast bowler Duanne Olivier has been recalled for South Africa's home test series against India, a reward for excellent domestic form from a player who shot to prominence four years ago before taking up a Kolpak contract.
The 29-year-old has claimed 48 wickets in 10 tests at an average below 20, but his career in the five-day international game looked to be over when he joined Yorkshire in 2019.
Since his return to South Africa, Olivier has taken 28 wickets at an average of 11 in the first class four-day competition, with his express pace and ability to get steepling bounce off the Highveld wickets - where the first two tests will be played - a major plus for the side.
Concerns over potential positive COVID-19 cases have led to a larger than usual squad selection for the three-match series, which starts on Dec, 26, with Oliver part of a 21-man squad under captain Dean Elgar.
Seamer Glenton Stuurman and right arm off-break bowler Prenelan Subrayen also recalled while all-rounder Sisanda Magala and left-handed wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton earn a first call-up.
"We believe fully in backing the talent that we have unearthed and cultivated over the last couple of seasons," convenor of selectors Victor Mpitsang said in a statement from Cricket South Africa on Tuesday.
"We are confident that this group will give us a good show on home soil."
The first test will start on Boxing Day at Centurion Park in Pretoria, with the second taking place from Jan 3-7 at The Wanderers in Johannesburg and the third at Newlands in Cape Town from Jan. 11-15.
Squad: Dean Elgar (captain), Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Anrich Nortje, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton, Duanne Olivier.
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