South Africa Appoint Mark Boucher As Head Coach

South Africa, on Saturday, named former wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as their head coach. The legendary wicketkeeper has been contracted until after the 2023 World Cup. The decision comes just a few days after Cricket South Africa roped in former captain Graeme Smith as their director of cricket. The Proteas are currently gearing up for the full-fledged series against England at home.

Enoch Nkwe, who took the team to India in October as interim team director, was named assistant coach, with former selection convener Linda Zondi returning as an independent member of a panel that will also feature captain Faf du Plessis, Boucher and Nkwe. The panel will announce South Africa’s squad for the first two Tests on Monday.

“I have brought Boucher on board because I feel he will bring the toughness to turn a young and inexperienced Proteas squad into a battle-ready outfit,” Graeme Smith said in his first interaction with the media after taking up the new position. “With his experience of a long career as an international cricketer he has first-hand experience of what it takes to succeed in the Test arena.

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A tough start awaits Mark Boucher:

Mark Boucher, nonetheless, will have a tough start as South Africa coach. With South Africa not doing well at the moment, they face 50-over world champions England. The Proteas have lost five Tests in a row this year and exited the World Cup at the league stage. In their last Test assignment, they were whitewashed by India in the three-match series.

But then again, Boucher definitely knows a thing or two about what it needs to succeed in international cricket. He was a part of the South African team that was one of the best of its time. Boucher was a key member of the side. Overall, he represented the Proteas in 147 Tests, 295 ODIs and 25 T20Is. He last played for South Africa in March 2012 before an eye injury ended his career.

Mark Boucher has also proved his credentials as a coach. He was the Titans coach before taking over his new rule. The ex-cricketer was coaching Titans since 2016. Under Boucher, Titans won a first-class title and a couple of one-day competitions so far.