South Africa’s team selection for the Centurion Test left everyone shocked. The comeback man Duanne Olivier was missing from the playing eleven despite making a major impact in domestic cricket. As the day progressed and Indian batters dominated South African bowlers in their own backyard, the decision became even more controversial.
However, there is a major reason behind the fast bowler’s absence from the Boxing Day Test. Olivier had recently recover from Covid-19 and as a result was not bowling to his full potential in the lead up to the Test. Also, he is having issues with his left hamstring which resulted in him getting replaced for the Centurion Test.
"Duanne Olivier is healthy and well, but did return a positive Covid-19 test result a number of weeks ago, which forced him to quarantine and took time away from his training ahead of the current Test series against India," selection convenor Victor Mpitsang’s statement read.
"This did take place while he was away with the intention to spend time with his family and his work loads were not where the selection panel would have wanted them to be by the time he entered the team bubble ahead of the first Test match. He picked up a hamstring niggle during the two-day, inter-squad match at the start of the camp and the selectors did not want to risk him unnecessarily when there are two more Test matches to think about," Mpitsang added.
Without the services of Olivier and an injured Anrich Nortje, South African pace attack looked lacklustre. Only Lungi Ngidi took three wickets on Day 1 after Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to bat first. Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder and debutant Marco Jansen were not able to take a single wicket throughout the day’s play.
While South African speedsters could not make an impact with the new ball, Indian openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal dominated with a 117-run partnership. While Agarwal was dismissed for 60, Rahul carried on and remained unbeaten for 122. Cheteshwar Pujara was the only batsman who could not score and got out for a golden duck. Virat Kohli got out for 38 whereas Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten for 40.
