Boucher joins SA support staff for NZ Tests

Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has joined the national team’s support staff in preparation for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Boucher, whose 147-Test career ended in 2012 with an eye injury, will work with the squad for three days before the first Test in Durban, which starts on Friday, and should also spend time with them ahead of the second Test in Centurion later this month. While his focus will be on Quinton de Kock’s wicketkeeping, Boucher will also work on the lower order’s batting skills and the overall mental aspect of the game.

“Mark is a guy that is highly respected. It will be particularly good for young Quinton de Kock to spend some time with him and work on his keeping and do a few fielding drills,” coach Russell Domingo said.

In the absence of AB de Villiers, who will sit out of the series with an elbow injury, de Kock is guaranteed to don the gloves in both matches. He will also have the responsibility of marshalling the tail, much like Boucher did, a particular area of focus for Domingo.

Last season, he roped in then Dolphins coach Lance Klusener to work with the lower order ahead of the England series. It paid some dividends when, in the lone match South Africa won in Centurion, de Kock shared three half-century stands for the sixth, eighth and ninth wickets with Temba …

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