Eric Olivier

Eric Olivier (24 November 1888 – 1 June 1925) was a South African cricketer who played in first-class cricket in England.^[1] Olivier was a right-handed batsman who bowled right-arm fast-medium.

Olivier made his first-class debut for Cambridge University in 1908 against Yorkshire. From 1908 to 1909 Olivier represented the University in fifteen first-class matches. With his fast-medium bowling Olivier took 83 wickets at an average of 20.20, with best bowling figures of 8-51 coming in 1908 against a GJV Weigall's XI. Olivier's final first-class match for the University came against Oxford University in July 1909. During his time playing for the University, Olivier was their best strike bowler.

During his time at Cambridge Olivier played association football for Cambridge University A.F.C.

Olivier joined Hampshire for the 1911 County Championship, making his debut against Leicestershire. Olivier represented the county in seven first-class matches during the 1911 season, the last of which came against Sussex at the United Services Recreation Ground in Portsmouth. Olivier's time with the club was not as successful as his spell with Cambridge University. In his seven first-class matches he took 7 wickets at an average of 51.28, with best figures of 4-30.

Upon returning to South Africa Olivier represented South Western Districts in two non first-class matches in 1913 against the Marylebone Cricket Club.

In the First World War Olivier served as a trooper in the South-West Africa Campaign. Later in the war he reached the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and served in the Royal Flying Corps. His 8 victories made him an ace^[2]

After the war Olivier represented South Western Districts for a final time in 1922 against the touring Marylebone Cricket Club.

Olivier died in Cape Town, South Africa on 1 June 1925.

References

External links

• Eric Olivier at Cricinfo
• Eric Olivier at CricketArchive
• Matches and detailed statistics for Eric Olivier