Mark Boucher has been a true legend: Thami Tsolekile – Cricket News Update
Keeper for the Highveld Lions Thami Tsolekile, who was recently included in South Africa’s squad for England under emergency circumstances as a replacement wicketkeeper for Mark Boucher, has hailed his predecessor as a formidable figure in South African cricket, adding that the events leading to his international recall have been unfortunate.
"It's very unfortunate for Bouch and I really feel for him. It may be an opportunity for me but I didn't really expect it this way," said Tsolekile. "Boucher's record speaks for itself. He has broken so many records. I don't want people to start comparing me and Bouch. He has been a true legend of the country."
Veteran wicketkeeper Boucher has been among the most prominent figures in the Proteas set-up. After making his international debut in 1997, the 35-year-old went on to play a total of 147 Test matches, and 295 ODIs for the national side, with a total of 999 international dismissals to his credit. He also featured as a competent batsman for his side, with 5515 Test runs, and 4686 ODI runs under his belt.
South Africa’s upcoming tour of England, which involves a Test series, followed by 5 ODIs and a 3-match T20I series, was due to be the right-hander’s 150th international appearance after which he had expressed the intent to retire from the game. However, Boucher’s career came to an abrupt end in unfortunate circumstances – a googly delivered by Imran Tahir during a warm-up match against Somerset set the bails flying, which struck Boucher in the eye.
The wicketkeeper batsman was taken off field, and diagnosed with a lacerated eyeball. A three-hour long surgery was conducted the very same evening, and Boucher went on to announce his retirement from the sport the next day, on July 10, dubbing his recovery “uncertain”.
Tsolekile, who has played a total of 3 Tests for South Africa, in 2004, and has a domestic career spanning 13 years (with 132 first-class matches to his credit), earned his central contract in February this year, and has been included in the squad for the series against England.
However, the 31-year-old’s participation in the series is uncertain, with coach Gary Kirsten having confirmed that AB de Villiers will be serving as wicketkeeper during the team’s first Test match against the Poms, scheduled to commence on July 19 at the Kennington Oval in London.
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