South African pacer Duane Olivier missed the first Test against India due to the effects of COVID-19 but is likely to be fully fit for the second Test.
According to ESPNcricinfo’s report, Olivier was supposed to play in the first Test but a few weeks ago his fitness was affected due to the grip of Covid-19, which is still affecting him. In his absence, left-arm fast bowler Marco Jensen made his Test debut.
South Africa’s selection committee coordinator Victor Mpitsang was quoted in the report as saying, ‘Duane Olivier is healthy but a few weeks ago he was found positive for Covid-19. He was in isolation and hence he was not able to practice enough before the Test series against India.
Olivier has so far taken 48 wickets in 10 test matches. He has done well in first-class matches so far this year, taking 28 wickets. “Before the first Test match, he (Olivier) was feeling uncomfortable due to muscle strain during the warm-up match between the team and therefore the selectors did not consider it appropriate to take any risk,” said Ampitsang.
The first test match between India and South Africa is currently going on in Centurion. Batting first after winning the toss, India scored 272 for three wickets. The second day’s play was washed out due to rain.
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