Eric Olivier

Who was Eric Olivier?

Eric Olivier was a South African cricketer who played in first-class cricket in England. 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.