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Cape Town - Proteas Test opener, Alviro Petersen, has defended his decision to turn his back on Glamorgan and recommit to an international career.
Petersen said it was "no sin" to want to play for South Africa and that his initial acceptance of a Kolpak deal with Glamorgan with the intention of retiring from international cricket was too hasty.
The 31-year-old signed a short-term contract with Essex this season, enabling him to represent them for some two months ahead of South Africa’s three-Test tour of England in mid-year.
Glamorgan expressed their discontent with Petersen's change of heart saying they expected him to return to county cricket.
His decision also prompted criticism from some various well-known UK scribes.
Popular commentator and former England player and coach David Lloyd got involved on Twitter.
“Bumble” wrote on Tuesday: “A Petersen seems to have manoeuvred a position for himself. Capt at Glamorgan, now he signs for Essex ... commitment ... loyalty???”
BBC Wales journalist Andrew Weeks tweeted: “This time last year, lots of love for @AlviroPetersen on Twitter and in Wales, now not so much.”
Petersen was dumped from South Africa's Test side in October last year, but was picked again and scored a century against Sri Lanka at Newlands. The innings sealed his place in the side for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, and probably beyond, and caused him to rethink his future.
"When I was left out of the South Africa side, I engaged with Glamorgan about it and the option to join them was there for me at the time," Petersen said.
"But in hindsight, it was probably a bit premature. It's no sin or crime to want to play international cricket and that's my first priority," Petersen told the Cricinfo website.
Petersen said it was "no sin" to want to play for South Africa and that his initial acceptance of a Kolpak deal with Glamorgan with the intention of retiring from international cricket was too hasty.
The 31-year-old signed a short-term contract with Essex this season, enabling him to represent them for some two months ahead of South Africa’s three-Test tour of England in mid-year.
Glamorgan expressed their discontent with Petersen's change of heart saying they expected him to return to county cricket.
His decision also prompted criticism from some various well-known UK scribes.
Popular commentator and former England player and coach David Lloyd got involved on Twitter.
“Bumble” wrote on Tuesday: “A Petersen seems to have manoeuvred a position for himself. Capt at Glamorgan, now he signs for Essex ... commitment ... loyalty???”
BBC Wales journalist Andrew Weeks tweeted: “This time last year, lots of love for @AlviroPetersen on Twitter and in Wales, now not so much.”
Petersen was dumped from South Africa's Test side in October last year, but was picked again and scored a century against Sri Lanka at Newlands. The innings sealed his place in the side for the upcoming tour of New Zealand, and probably beyond, and caused him to rethink his future.
"When I was left out of the South Africa side, I engaged with Glamorgan about it and the option to join them was there for me at the time," Petersen said.
"But in hindsight, it was probably a bit premature. It's no sin or crime to want to play international cricket and that's my first priority," Petersen told the Cricinfo website.
