"Boucher has played 147 Tests for South Africa and holds the wicketkeeping record for most dismissals in the five-day format with 555". But you're obviously right, it doesn't matter that they have lost one of the best wicket keepers in the world. I am not doubting AB's ability but surely it would be better for them to not have to make the change. I await your obvious expert opinion.
My personal opinion is it doesnt make them that much weaker. Also i think Boucher was a player that the england bowlers could have got at. They look a strong team.
I might be with hemsworth here, if ab keeps wicket and they play another batsman that is. de villiers is no mug with the gloves and is a fine batsman so it would strengthen their batting. But I suspect they may go with another specialist keeper. Just read that boucher has had to retire altogether due to the injury. Damn shame for someone of his class to bow out in such a freakish way.
Part of the reason Boucher has so many tests and dismissals is he's been in the game a very long time with minimal competition. He's always been a nuggetty annoyance when batting rather than a class player. Will he be missed? Not sure. I'd expect SA to take the pressure off DeVilliers with a back up keeper. Batting after wicket keeping long periods can be tricky and affect concentration. Looking forward to the contest and my ticket for day 1 at the Oval is closely guarded....if it ever stops raining!
Great news for England, been a thorn in our side on a number of occasions over the years. EYE bet he is gutted having to BAIL out of this tour he he chuckle chuckle chortle chortle poop
If he batted upper order then i think it might be a problem but he bats middle order so i don't think it would be a problem.
My question was poised to our resident sports expert ;-) I played a fair bit for Birdwell and had the sad privilege of missing out on yorkshire trials... ah well, their loss!
It's nothing to do with fitness. It's concentration. I can tell you that focusing on catching a ball, especially in seaming and/or spinning conditions is mentally knackering for long periods of time. It's also a huge difference when you're a proper batsman doing it compared to a lower order dasher.
For a really good example of how it works look at the record of Alex Stewart when played as a batsman and compare with his record as wicket keeper batsman - specialist batsman 46.9 wicket keeper 34.92 There is no doubt that Bouchers loss is a blow for SA - I hope they play de Villiers as his batting will probably suffer and as a non specialist keeper may miss the odd half chance that a better keeper would take but I am sure they will bring in Tsolekile - I dont really know how he will do but from an England point of view the loss of Boucher is good news - though I doubt many would have wished it this way
Best wicket keeper ever was Jack Russell, stuff yer averages up yer bottom - its all about the tatty hat!
I feel for Boucher - great player and some nice words from Smith about him on the beeb. He's a bit of a South African Chanderpaul when it comes to England. Much like Brett Angel for Barnsley
They think he may lose sight in that eye. Really awful story, despite what that imbecile GreekMan thinks.