Home boy Duanne Olivier isn’t relying on Bloem’s grass

Proteas fast bowler Duanne Olivier is not going to get carried away by the fair amount of grass that’s been left on Bloemfontein’s wicket, the venue for the second Test against Bangladesh starting on Friday.

As the Knights’ bowling spearhead, the 25-year-old is more used to toiling for his wickets in the city of roses.

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Given that Olivier has taken 93 wickets in the last two first-class seasons, it’s little wonder he still prefers to assume he’ll have to work for success instead of relying on expected favourable conditions.

“The wicket looks totally different, I saw a few pictures. I think on day one it will be a bit slow but then there’ll be some bounce and it will quicken up,” he said on Wednesday.

“There will be a bit of a slope that could give some assistance too. At the same time, you expect the bowlers to run in and do the job regardless. To me, the wicket doesn’t need to be green to help us. We just need to do the basics well and then we’ll get rewarded.”

More than ever, Olivier is expected to perform responsibly when he takes the ball.

With Morne Morkel out of the series with a side strain, the Proteas bowling attack as a raw look to it.

And that means the lanky quick can’t be too wayward.

Not that it bothers him.

“Of course, Morne is a massive loss. He’s been bowling really well but it gives an opportunity to other guys to stand up,” said Olivier.

“KG (Rabada) will be leading the attack now and I can learn a lot from him. I really don’t feel there’s added pressure on me.”

He would like to be more chilled on the field though.

“I feel that I don’t start well. Maybe it’s because I try to put too much pressure on myself. I’m working on settling earlier.”