Boucher still has an influence on the team: Kallis – Cricket News Update
Acknowledging the trauma the team suffered after Mark Boucher’s freak accident, South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis has revealed that the retired veteran wicketkeeper still has an influence on the team, and serves as one of their motivations to perform well in the upcoming Test series against England.
“It was a sickening blow ... It took a couple of days for myself and some of the other guys to get over it but we've heard positive reports from back home,” Kallis said. “He's at the back of our thoughts but he wants us to play good, hard cricket. It probably brought the team a lot closer together so, even if he's not with the team, in a strange way he's still having an influence.”
Boucher was taken off field in the middle of South Africa’s warm-up match against Somerset at Taunton on July 9, after a googly by Imran Tahir caused a dislodged bail to strike him in the eye. The injury, a lacerated eyeball, was confirmed to be severe by South Africa manager Mohammed Moosajee, and he was taken in for a 3-hour long surgery.
However, post-surgery the 35-year-old admitted his recovery was uncertain, and ended up announcing his retirement from international cricket the very next day, on July 10.
Boucher's abrupt retirement came not only as a shock for the team, but as a disappointment for the veteran wicketkeeper himself, who had been due to play his 150th Test, after which he had announced his intent to retire. He had also been looking to round off his tally of 999 international dismissals to a 1000, but was unable to get a chance to do so. Meanwhile, AB de Villiers and Thami Tsolekile will be serving as replacements for Boucher.
In addition to playing for their former teammate, the Proteas have yet another incentive to do well, as they look to pay tribute to skipper Graeme Smith, who will be playing his 100th Test.
“It's a special achievement to play 100 Tests,” Kallis said of Smith. “He's been captain for most of them as well which is an incredible effort. He's contributed massively.”
The 3-match series, which offers the South Africans a chance to clinch the top ranking on the ICC’s list of top Test teams, is due to commence on July 19 at the Kennington Oval in London.
Tags: