Olivier opts for Tykes in Kolpak decision

Yorkshire have announced the signing of South Africa fast bowler Duanne Olivier ahead of the 2019 season.

The 26-year-old has agreed an initial three-year deal with the county, subject to clearance through Kolpak regulations.

He will join his new team-mates for the first time during a pre-season tour in his homeland early next month.

The paceman has taken 48 wickets in 10 Tests since making his Proteas debut in 2017 and played both Tests against Sri Lanka this month. He has also represented his country in two one-day internationals.

Olivier, who played for Derbyshire in 2018, told Yorkshire’s website: “I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a difficult decision to make. It’s giving up playing for my country with no guarantees of playing international cricket again.

“But at the end of the day, I needed to be true to myself. I’ve only got this one chance to see where my talent can take me and Yorkshire just felt right to me.”

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon said: “I think the fact he’s giving up international cricket for South Africa to play here shows his commitment and I think he’ll be a great asset for us.”

Cricket South Africa chief executive Thabang Moroe said in a statement: “We find it extremely disappointing that Duanne has taken this step after all the opportunities we have given him, particularly over the past season and going forward, to live his dream of being an international cricketer.

“He was upgraded to a national contract during the current season on the strength of his outstanding performances in our Test squad and we offered him a two-year contract which would have given him financial security through to the end of the 2020-2021 season.

“He was not short of opportunity either as he played in all six Test matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka during the current summer and was also considered for white ball selection.

“If one looks at the bigger picture this is not good news for the global game.”