We Are A Long Way Off In Regards To Test Cricket, Says Mark Boucher

Updated - 20 Feb 2020, 12:16 AM

Mark Boucher, South Africa, Australia, T20I
Mark Boucher. Credit: Getty Images

South Africa is having a torrid time in the field. Having lost the Test series to England in a humiliating manner, the side conceded defeat in the shortest format as well. Mark Boucher has admitted his current stint has already thrown quite a few challenges.

Mark Boucher, Faf du Plessis, Kagiso Rabada, South Africa, T20 Squad
Mark Boucher. Credit: Getty

Mark Boucher on Proteas’ transition phase

With Faf du Plessis stepping down from the top post, the onus is on Quinton de Kock to script a revival. In De Kock’s defense, the southpaw was among runs in the ODI series and continued the good work in the T20Is. Boucher said being a practical is the only way ahead as he looks to get the boys ready for a humongous task against Australia.

“It was tough but I knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “I don’t want to get emotional about the whole thing but you have to try to be practical and look at where we are as a team. You have to understand that there is a lot of hard work we must do.”

Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis. (Credits: Twitter)

The Proteas’ bowling pack was impressive during the red-ball leg against the Three Lions. Kagiso Rabada was at his lethal best while Anrich Nortjé scalped 18 wickets. Apart from De Kock and a few notable contribution, the batters failed to compliment the bowlers.

“With regards to Test cricket, we are a long way off the mark and we need to work hard there, especially in our batting,” he said. “Our batting let us down during the series and the guys need to get some confidence and up their level of skill.”

South Africa
South Africa (Credits: Twitter)

The coach had earlier hinted at the possible return of AB de Villiers. The veteran was in decent nick during the Big Bash and his upcoming form in the shortest format will answer the calls regarding his inclusion. De Villiers’ arrival will boost the current unit but for the time being, they will have to be well equipped to counter Australia.

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