Sport24.co.za | Olivier’s ‘incredible effort’ impresses Faf
Cape Town – Proteas captain Faf du Plessis was impressed with the way Duanne Olivier bowled in the second innings of the second Test against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein.
Olivier, playing in only his fifth Test, bowled 10 overs unchanged at the start of the day on Sunday and troubled the tourists’ batsmen with his hostile pace and bounce.
Olivier’s spell set the tone for the Proteas as they ran through the Tigers’ batting order to dismiss them for 172 and wrap up an innings and 254-run win inside three days.
Although he only had one wicket to show for his efforts – with Kagiso Rabada taking 10 in the match – Du Plessis hailed the Bloemfontein local.
“You want to see improvement from young bowlers and you want to see that they can learn at the highest level,” said Du Plessis.
“The way he (Olivier) bowled today (on Sunday) was a fantastic bowling effort and I said that if you bowl 10 overs on the trot of short ball work, it takes an incredible effort.
“So I have take my hat off to him, he was our best bowler for the day. Obviously KG’s (Rabada) skill you can’t compare to any of our bowlers.”
The 25-year-old Olivier, who has taken 17 wickets in his five Tests, was selected as replacement for the injured Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn.
“What we needed from a bowling attack, we wanted to be ruthless, aggressive and make it uncomfortable for Bangladesh and he (Olivier) led us in that aspect. I’m very proud to see that he can make those improvements,” added Du Plessis.
Du Plessis said it was important for the Proteas to create depth in the seam bowling department and that the younger players have the quality to step up when they are needed.
“These guys that played the last two Test matches will be looked at for the future so it’s important for them to see that there is some work to do, but they have the quality,” said Du Plessis.