Mark Boucher

Last updated

Mark Boucher
Markboucher.jpg
Boucher playing his last game for South Africa against Somerset in July 2012
Personal information
Full name
Mark Verdon Boucher
Born (1976-12-03) 3 December 1976 (age 47)
East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight arm medium
RoleWicketkeeper batsman
International information
National side
Test debut(cap  267)17 October 1997 v  Pakistan
Last Test3 January 2012 v  Sri Lanka
ODI debut(cap  46)16 January 1998 v  New Zealand
Last ODI28 October 2011 v  Australia
ODI shirt no.9
T20I debut(cap  2)21 October 2005 v  New Zealand
Last T20I10 May 2010 v  Pakistan
T20I shirt no.9
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
Representing Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
Men's Cricket
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 1998 Kuala Lumpur List-A cricket

Mark Verdon Boucher (born 3 December 1976) is a South African cricket coach and former cricketer who played all three formats of the game. Boucher is regarded as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen of all time, and holds the record for the most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper, with 532 catches and 555 total dismissals. Boucher was a member of the South Africa team that won the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, the only time the country has won an ICC trophy till date.

Contents

He has represented Border, Warriors, South Africa, Africa XI, ICC World XI and Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. He is currently the head coach of the South African National Men's Cricket Team.

He had been a regular feature of the South African side since the 1997/1998 tour to Australia, until his retirement from international cricket in July 2012 after a serious eye injury against Somerset. [1]

In 2021, during the Cricket South Africa's (CSA) Social Justice and Nation Building (SJN) transformation public hearings, Paul Adams claimed under oath [2] that Mark Boucher and other teammates racially abused him by calling him a "brown shit" in a team song. [3]

Early life

Born in East London, Boucher was educated at Selborne College where he was coached by Richard Pybus. [4]

International career

Wicket-keeping role

From the time he replaced Dave Richardson until his retirement, Boucher was South Africa's first-choice wicketkeeper and is widely regarded as one of, if not the, greatest wicketkeepers South Africa has ever had. [5] He holds the record for the most dismissals (catches and stumpings) in Test cricket. [6] He reached the record originally when he overtook the former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy in the first test of the Bank Alfalah Test Series versus Pakistan in Karachi on 3 October 2007 when he stumped Umar Gul off the bowling of Paul Harris. He then lost the record to Adam Gilchrist before regaining it when he caught Mushfiqur Rahim of Bangladesh in February 2008. [7]

Boucher is also third [8] on the all-time list in One Day Internationals.

Batting credentials

He once held the record for the highest score by a nightwatchman in Test cricket with 125 for South Africa v Zimbabwe at Harare in November 1999. [9] On 12 March 2006 he hit the winning runs for South Africa against Australia in what had been the Greatest One Day International ever played. [10]

Later in 2006, on 20 September, he made his maiden ODI century, hitting an unbeaten 147 against Zimbabwe from a mere 68 balls. His hundred came up off just 44 balls, the second-fastest ODI century ever by a South African after AB de Villiers. Boucher did benefit, however, from some very poor Zimbabwean fielding, being dropped no fewer than six times during his innings. [11] He played over one hundred consecutive ODIs for his country and is one of only eleven players, including Hansie Cronjé and Shaun Pollock, to achieve this. [12]

In February 2007 he and Jacques Kallis combined to hit Mohammad Asif for 28 runs off an over in an ODI at SuperSport Park in Centurion. It broke the South African record for most runs off an over which was previously held by both Shaun Pollock and Graeme Smith with 27. However, this was later broken by Herschelle Gibbs with 36 runs off one over, the most possible without no-balls or wides. [13]

Vice captaincy

In the period while the team was under Shaun Pollock's leadership, Boucher was the regular vice-captain of the team and lead the team in tests four times. These matches include a victory over Australia, an achievement which Pollock could not manage.

Breaking records

Boucher started his 2007 Cricket World Cup campaign in good form with a 21-ball half-century, the then fastest in World Cup history (before being beaten by Brendon McCullum's 20-ball effort six days later) – scoring 75 not out against the Netherlands as South Africa scored 353 for 4 wickets in a rain-shortened World Cup match. However, this was overshadowed by Herschelle Gibbs's six sixes in an over, the 3rd time ever in world cricket and the first time in a One Day International match, and thus in the World Cup. [14]

He became the first wicketkeeper in the history of test cricket to reach the milestone of 400 dismissals when he caught Danish Kaneria off the bowling of Makhaya Ntini on 10 October 2007 in the second test of the Bank Alfalah Test Series against Pakistan at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. [15]

Mark Boucher training at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2009 Mark boucher scg.jpg
Mark Boucher training at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2009

Despite being South Africa's consistent wicket-keeper for a long time, age meant that batsman AB de Villiers was given a chance with the gloves and he impressed. However, de Villiers is one of the team's best outfielders and therefore Boucher continued to feature in the team.

He participated in the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 and the South African coach Corrie van Zyl said that both Boucher and Herschelle Gibbs have the chance to get back in the team. He stated that Boucher will get his chance in the team provided that he performs in the domestic ODI tournament and that both of them had a good chance in playing for the 2011 Cricket World Cup [16] He was however still selected for the Test series against Pakistan and continues to be South Africa's number one test wicket-keeper [17] Also during that time Boucher recovered from his six-week shoulder injury and stated that he is desperate for a return to international cricket. He stated that his main aim was to participate in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. [18]

Eye injury and subsequent retirement

Boucher is surrounded by the South African team immediately after suffering his eye injury against Somerset in 2012. Boucher injury.jpg
Boucher is surrounded by the South African team immediately after suffering his eye injury against Somerset in 2012.

Boucher suffered a serious eye injury on 9 July 2012, after being struck on his left eye by a bail. [19] He was not wearing a protective helmet or glasses when he was struck by the bail after leg-spinner Imran Tahir bowled Somerset's Gemaal Hussain. [20] Following surgery to the eyeball, Boucher was ruled out of the rest of the tour. Due to the severity of the injury, Boucher—who had planned to retire at the end of the tour—retired from International Cricket on 10 July. [21] [22]

There was no damage to the retina, so it was felt that there was a chance for Boucher to recover some vision in the damaged eye. [23] After undergoing two operations on his injured eye, surgeons announced that they were "cautiously optimistic". [24]

Coaching

In September 2022, Boucher was appointed as head coach of Mumbai Indians.

In December 2019, Boucher was appointed as head coach of the South Africa national cricket team. [25]

Boucher was appointed head coach of the Titans in August 2016, despite having no prior coaching experience. He led the Titans to five domestic titles - two One Day Cups, two T20 Challenge titles and one four-day Sunfoil Series trophy. [26]

Honours

Tributes included comments from Shaun Pollock and Kevin Pietersen. Pollock congratulated him on a great career, while Pietersen called for more support from fans and those involved in sports, saying "Let’s keep it going! Bouch is a fighter!". [27]

In May 2017, he was named Coach of the Year at Cricket South Africa's annual awards. [28]

Achievements

Controversy

On 23 August 2021, Boucher issued an apology for past racist behaviour, admitting to having participated in activities that were discriminatory and racially offensive. [34] Boucher admitted to having been part of a group that sang offensive songs and used racial nicknames for non-Caucasian teammates. [35] In the wake of the admission and apology, there were calls for Boucher to resign or be sacked as head coach of the South African Cricket team. [36] Despite handing over a written submission as an apology for his conduct, some say that Boucher lacks common sense, lacks sensitivity and has a "lack of understanding of South Africa's racial history". [37] The allegations regarding his racist conduct have also raised eyebrows over his coaching tenure with the South African side in the future, due to the possibility of the CSA terminating his contract. [38]

Further investigations revealed that Boucher influenced the team's culture by dealing only with white players concerns regarding the Black Lives Matter movement and it was evident during the course of the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, with a minor few players on the South African side refusing to take a knee before the start of play. [39] [40] Boucher was also accused of having maintained poor player management during his coaching tenure with the assistant coach Enoch Nkwe. He was accused in the charge sheet for not delegating tasks to Nkwe as well as for not giving proper clarification to Nkwe which made it impossible for Nkwe to work with Boucher. [41] In May 2022, Cricket South Africa (CSA) withdrew charges against him. [42]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jacques Kallis</span> South African cricketer

Jacques Henry Kallis OIS is a South African cricket coach and former professional cricketer. Widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time and as the greatest all-rounder ever to play the game, he is a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium swing bowler. As of 2022, Kallis is the only cricketer in the history of the game to score more than 10,000 runs and take over 250 wickets in both ODI and Test match cricket. He has also taken 131 ODI catches. He scored 13,289 runs in his Test match career, took 292 wickets, and 200 catches. Kallis scored 45 Test match centuries and is the third highest test match run scorer in history. Kallis won 23 Man-of-the-Match awards, the most by any player in Test history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Allan Donald</span> South African cricketer

Allan Anthony Donald is a South African former cricketer who is also the former bowling coach of Bangladesh national cricket team. Often nicknamed 'White Lightning' due to his quick bowling, he is considered one of the South Africa national cricket team's most successful pace bowlers. He was an integral member of the South African team in its resurgence into international cricket since readmission and played an influential role as a frontline genuine seam bowler to boost South Africa to new heights. During his playing career, he was known for his bowling speed and aggression on the field. He is also remembered for his infamous runout during South Africa's loss in the 1999 World Cup semi-final match against Australia. Donald is the first South African to take 300 Test wickets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Africa national cricket team</span> National cricket team of South Africa

The South Africa men's national cricket team, also known as the Proteas, represents South Africa in men's international cricket and is administered by Cricket South Africa (CSA). South Africa is a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Its nickname derives from South Africa's national flower, Protea cynaroides, commonly known as the "King Protea".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bangladesh national cricket team</span>

The Bangladesh men's national cricket team, popularly known as The Tigers, is administered by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). It is a Full Member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) with Test, One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) status. It played its first Test match in November 2000 against India with a 9 wicket win in Dhaka, becoming the tenth Test-playing nation. It became an associate member of the ICC in 1977, and competed in six ICC Trophies but performed inconsistently until 1997, which marked the year of their first major victory, winning the 1997 ICC Trophy held in Malaysia. This set Bangladesh on its way of becoming a Test-playing nation, a journey which ended with success in the year 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graeme Smith</span> Cricket player of South Africa

Graeme Craig Smith is a South African cricket commentator and former cricketer who played for South Africa in all formats. In 2003, he was appointed captain of the national team, taking over from Shaun Pollock. He held the position of test captain until his retirement in 2014. At 22, he was appointed as South Africa's youngest ever captain. He was the most capped captain ever when he played his 102nd test against England. He is considered as one of South Africa's greatest ever captains having led South Africa to a record 54 test victories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kumar Sangakkara</span> Sri Lankan cricketer (born 1977)

Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara born 27 October 1977 is a Sri Lankan former professional cricketer who represented Sri Lanka in 134 Test matches from 2000 to 2015, including fifteen as captain. In first-class cricket, he played for Nondescripts Cricket Club from 1997–98 to 2013–14 and for Surrey County Cricket Club from 2015 to 2017. He also played for numerous franchise teams. He was born in Matale, Central Province. He was a part of the Sri Lankan squads which won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2014 T20 World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adam Gilchrist</span> Australian cricketer (born 1971)

Adam Craig Gilchrist is an Australian cricket commentator and former international cricketer and captain of the Australia national cricket team. He was an attacking left-handed batsman and record-breaking wicket-keeper, who redefined the role for the Australia national team through his aggressive batting. Widely regarded as the greatest wicket-keeper-batsman in the history of the game, Gilchrist held the world record for the most dismissals by a wicket-keeper in One Day International (ODI) cricket until it was surpassed by Kumar Sangakkara in 2015 and the most by an Australian in Test cricket. Gilchrist was a member of the Australian team that won three consecutive world titles in a row: the 1999 Cricket World Cup, the 2003 Cricket World Cup, and the 2007 Cricket World Cup, along with winning the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shaun Pollock</span> South African cricketer

Shaun Maclean Pollock is a South African cricket commentator and former cricketer, who was captain in all formats of the game. A bowling all-rounder, Pollock along with Allan Donald formed a bowling partnership for many years. From 2000 to 2003 he was the captain of the South African cricket team, and also played for Africa XI, World XI, Dolphins and Warwickshire. He was chosen as the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2003. Pollock was a member of the South Africa team that won the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, the only ICC trophy the country has won till date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Makhaya Ntini</span> South African cricketer

Makhaya Ntini is a South African former professional cricketer, who played all forms of the game. He was the first black player to play for the South African national cricket team. Ntini was a member of the South Africa team that won the 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy, the only ICC trophy the country has won to date.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ian Healy</span> Australian cricketer (born 1964)

Ian Andrew Healy is an Australian former international cricketer who played for Queensland domestically. A wicketkeeper and right-hand middle-order batsman, he first played international cricket in 1988, after six first-class games. Over the next decade, Healy was a member of the side as it enjoyed a period of success. By the time of his retirement, Healy held the world record for most Test dismissals by a wicket-keeper. He was a part of the Australian squad which finished as runners-up at the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Rodney William Marsh was an Australian professional cricketer who played as a wicketkeeper for the Australian national team. He was a part of the Australian squad which finished as runners-up at the 1975 Cricket World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">MS Dhoni</span> Indian cricketer (born 1981)

Mahendra Singh Dhoni is an Indian professional cricketer. He is a right handed batter and a wicket-keeper. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific wicket-keeper-batsmen and captains, he represented the Indian cricket team and was the captain of the side in limited-overs formats from 2007 to 2017 and in test cricket from 2008 to 2014. Dhoni has captained the most international matches and is the most successful Indian captain. He has led India to victory in the 2011 Cricket World Cup, the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, the only captain to win three different limited overs tournaments. He also led the teams that won the Asia Cup in 2010, 2016 and was a member of the title winning squad in 2018.

The ICC Super Series 2005 was a cricket series held in Australia during October 2005, organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It was played between Australia and a World XI team of players selected from other countries. The series consisted of three One Day Internationals and one Test match. Australia won all four matches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AB de Villiers</span> South African cricketer

Abraham Benjamin de Villiers is a South African former international cricketer, and a current commentator. AB de Villiers was named as the ICC ODI Player of the Year three times during his 15-year international career and was one of the five Wisden cricketers of the decade at the end of 2019. He is regarded as one of the greatest cricketers in the history of the sport and as one of the best batsmen of his era. de Villiers began his international career as a wicket-keeper-batsman, but he has played most often solely as a batsman. He batted at various positions in the batting order, but predominantly in the middle-order. Regarded as one of the most innovative and destructive batsmen in the modern era, de Villiers is known for a range of unorthodox shots, particularly behind the wicket-keeper. He made his international debut in a Test match against England in 2004 and first played a One Day International (ODI) in early 2005. His debut in Twenty20 International cricket came in 2006. He scored over 8,000 runs in both Test and ODI cricket and is one of the very few batsmen to have a batting average of over fifty in both forms of the game. In limited overs cricket, he is an attacking player. He holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty, fastest ODI century, and fastest ODI 150.

The New Zealand cricket team toured South Africa for cricket matches in the 2005–06 season. Owing to South Africa's busy schedule, the tour was split into two legs, one to be played in October 2005 with the six limited overs matches, and the second leg to be played in April and May 2006, including three Test matches. Before the limited overs series began, New Zealand were ranked third on the ICC ODI Championship table, two places ahead of their hosts South Africa. However, New Zealand had never won an ODI series in South Africa before this tour, and they were not to do it this summer either. In fact, New Zealand did not win a single one of the five matches, and only the rain – which sent the fourth match into a no-result – prevented the Kiwis from going down 0–5. The test series was similarly disappointing for New Zealand, with South Africa claiming it 2-0. After two series losses to Australia it was a satisfying result for the South Africans.

The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy was a cricket tournament held in Sri Lanka in 2002. It marked the third edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, with the previous two tournaments being known as the ICC Knock Out Tournaments. Originally scheduled to be held in India, the tournament was moved to Sri Lanka when India did not grant an exemption from tax, as needed. The tournament consisted of fifteen matches, including two semi-finals and a final match. This event was notable as it marked the first time that teams from all member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC) visited Sri Lanka to participate in a cricket tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinton de Kock</span> South African cricketer

Quinton de Kock is a South African cricketer and former captain of the Proteas in all three formats. He currently plays for South Africa in limited overs cricket, Titans at the domestic level, and Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League. He was named the Cricketer of the Year at Cricket South Africa's 2017 Annual Awards. Considered as one of the best wicket keeper batsmen of his generation An opening batsman and wicket-keeper, de Kock made his domestic debut for the Highveld Lions during the 2012/2013 season. He quickly caught the national selectors' eye when he starred in a match-winning partnership with Neil McKenzie in the Champions League T20 against the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL)..He also finished fourth on the first-class rankings, despite playing only six of the 10 matches that summer.

The South Africa national cricket team visited India in 2000 for a two-match Test series and a five-match ODI series. The Test teams were led by Hansie Cronje and Sachin Tendulkar respectively for South Africa and India, while the latter's ODI side was led by Sourav Ganguly. South Africa won the Test series 2–0, while India took the ODI series by a 3–2 margin. The ODI series was later marred by a dramatic match fixing scandal. It was the first time that a visiting Test team had won in India for thirteen years, and the last Test matches to be played by Cronje.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kagiso Rabada</span> South African cricketer (born 1995)

Kagiso Rabada is a South African international cricketer who plays all formats of the game. He is a right arm fast bowler. He made his international debut in November 2014 in limited-overs cricket before going on to make his Test debut in November 2015. By January 2018, he had topped both the ICC ODI bowler rankings and the ICC Test bowler rankings aged 22. In July 2018, he became the youngest bowler to take 150 wickets in Tests.

References

  1. "Boucher calls it a day after eye injury". Wisden India. 10 July 2012. Archived from the original on 26 March 2014. Retrieved 22 May 2013.
  2. "SJN Hearings: Paul Adams scared of being victimised". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  3. "Many shades of grey in Boucher battle". Cricbuzz. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  4. "Wisden Cricketer of the Year 2009 – Mark Boucher". ESPNcricinfo.
  5. "Yahoo Cricket". cricket.yahoo.net. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  6. "Most dismissals as wicketkeeper in test cricket". ESPNcricinfo.
  7. South Africa on brink of victory BBC News retrieved 25 February 2008
  8. "Records. One-Day Internationals. Wicketkeeping records. Most dismissals in career". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 30 November 2017.
  9. 2nd Test: Zimbabwe v South Africa at Harare, 11–14 Nov 1999 ESPNcricinfo retrieved 25 February 2008
  10. AUS vs SA, 12/3/2006 BBC News retrieved 25 February 2008
  11. Boucher blitz blows Zimbabwe away ESPNcricinfo retrieved 25 February 2008
  12. Most consecutive ODIs. Archived 21 May 2007 at the Wayback Machine ESPNcricinfo retrieved 25 February 2008
  13. Most runs off one over Archived 6 February 2007 at the Wayback Machine retrieved 25 February 2008
  14. SA vs NET, World Cup 2007 ESPNcricinfo retrieved 25 February 2008
  15. Pakistan v South Africa at Lahore, 08-12 Oct 2007 ESPNcricinfo retrieved 25 February 2008
  16. "Boucher needs to improve in limited-overs – van Zyl". ESPNcricinfo. 23 September 2010.
  17. "Colin Ingram gets maiden limited-overs call-up". ESPNcricinfo. 21 September 2010.
  18. "Boucher working towards limited-overs return". ESPNcricinfo. 6 November 2010.
  19. "Boucher ruled out of England tour". Wisden India. 10 July 2012.[ permanent dead link ]
  20. "Mark Boucher suffers eye injury in South Africa tour match". BBC. 9 July 2012.
  21. South Africa's Mark Boucher ruled out of England Test series BBC News retrieved 10 July 2012
  22. "Mark Boucher retired from international cricket". 10 July 2012.
  23. "Boucher may not lose vision in injured eye". sports.ndtv.com. 15 July 2012.
  24. "Mark Boucher's second eye operation 'very positive'". 19 July 2012.
  25. "Mark Boucher appointed head coach of South Africa men's team". International Cricket Council.
  26. "Boucher equipped to coach Proteas, says Titans CEO". Sport. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
  27. "World hails Boucher, a South African hero". Wisden India. 10 July 2012. Archived from the original on 14 December 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  28. "De Kock dominates South Africa's awards". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
  29. "Most dismissals as wicketkeeper in all forms of international cricket". ESPNcricinfo.
  30. "Most catches as wicketkeeper in all forms of international cricket". ESPNcricinfo.
  31. "Records / Twenty20 matches / Batting records / No ducks in career". ESPNcricinfo.
  32. "Records / Twenty20 Internationals / Wicketkeeping records records / Most byes conceded in an innings". ESPNcricinfo.
  33. "Cricket Records. Records. ICC Champions Trophy (ICC KnockOut). Highest partnerships by wicket". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 18 June 2017.
  34. Moonda, Firdose (23 August 2021). "Bavuma: Boucher has provided 'clarity and context' regarding discrimination allegations". ESPN. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  35. PTI (23 August 2021). "Mark Boucher apologises for singing offensive songs with his teammates" . Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  36. "Mark Boucher should resign or be sacked as Proteas coach" . Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  37. "Boucher charged over racism claims". BBC Sport. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  38. "South Africa cricket coach Boucher charged over racism allegation". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  39. "SJN follow-up: CSA will argue in favour of dismissing Mark Boucher at disciplinary hearing". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  40. "'Mark Boucher only dealt with white players' concerns during BLM issue' - Cricket South Africa charge sheet". www.iol.co.za. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  41. "SJN follow-up: CSA will argue in favour of dismissing Mark Boucher at disciplinary hearing". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  42. "CSA withdraw charges of gross misconduct against Mark Boucher". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
Preceded by South African Test cricket captain
2001/2
Succeeded by
Shaun Pollock