The past three weeks have given Duanne Olivier ample opportunity to combat the flak flying towards him for turning his back on a Test career in its prime.
Now for the bombshell - he wants to resume it with England.
There have been plenty of South African cricketers who quit their homeland for Kolpak contracts with English counties over the past couple of decades. Olivier is the 43rd.
But he is the first to be taken from the bosom of his country’s Test team declaring a desire to pull on the England sweater.
Olivier says: “I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and if you just concentrate on doing well, that will take care of itself.
“I don’t think too far ahead. Yes, it will be a goal to play for England one day, and it would be amazing, but for now, my pure focus is on Yorkshire.”
He adds: “Every person needs security. I thought about everything, and while sitting down with my wife, we discussed the pros and cons.
“It is what my wife and I feel, and what we want to achieve. Relocating is just the best decision for me and my family, for our future.
“I realise some people will understand and some people won’t, but it doesn’t really faze me what they think. It’s about what I want to do. I feel like my cricket will improve playing county cricket.”