After his eleven wickets in the Test match just finished against Pakistan, one would have thought any county entertaining Kolpak hopes for Duanne Olivier has had them well and truly dashed.
Unless that country's cricket authorities do something really silly, he would appear to have confirmed himself as the natural successor to Vernon Philander and a bowler to take a long-term role alongside Rabada and Ngidi. That is assuming that Dale Steyn and Philander don't carry on for a few more years, of course, but it underlines the depth of quality bowling in that country, especially when one considers who has left to take up Kolpak deals.
Morkel, Wiese, Abbott, Viljoen - there are plenty of international sides would like that attack and it is not available to the South Africans, who appear to be on the brink of a new golden era.
Speaking of Hardus Viljoen, I am surprised that there has been no comment from Derbyshire at all regarding his IPL deal. I don't so much mean what it will mean to us, as we are still perhaps trying to work that out, but even a piece noting that he will be involved.
It is a little odd and the rumour mill, as I am hearing it, is awash with various stories. If he ends up getting a gig in the Caribbean Premier League, which he might, as these things tend to snowball, then might there be an agreed parting of the ways? If so, where would that leave us - searching for a new Kolpak, or looking around the UK for available talent?
I'm not sure, at this stage, who might be available domestically, because most contracts are sorted by now, but it might have made a lot more sense for the club to say something, anything, than leave conjecture to take a hold.
I dare say the early part of 2019 will reveal all, but for me there is still work to do with our squad for the coming summer.
In closing, could I thank all of you for your support over 2018, another record-breaking year for the blog in the number of visits.
I look forward to seeing you back next year, when we have some exciting cricket to look forward to!
Really pleased for Olivier.
ReplyDeleteI am also pleased for Viljoen in the fact that he got an IPL deal. The silence on the matter by DCCC shows how amateurish they can be at times. They are quite happy to put out fun posts about Christmas games but comment on the impending absence of one of our biggest earners? Surely no-one is interested in that. At best you could describe the clubs silence as poor judgement, at worst it could be interpreted as real contempt for members.