Mark Boucher is likely to announce his retirement after South Africa's tour of England in July this year.
I think I've still got a lot to offer in that department," Boucher, who is part of South Africa's Test squad touring New Zealand, told. Although South Africa have not picked their squad to England yet, Boucher was hopeful of being included, depending on his performances in New Zealand. He has been on three tours to England, and said his experience could merit a fourth visit.
"Even the English keepers will tell you that in England you will drop the odd ball. I thought keeping in South Africa on some occasions was quite difficult but it's actually a lot harder keeping in England. If selected, Boucher will have to play the dual role of keeper and mentor, as Cricket South Africa - which, for the first time since it introduced contracts in 1998, signed a second wicketkeeper for the 2012-13 season - prepares for life without him.
Thami Tsolekile, who took over from Boucher in 2004, has been earmarked as his successor once again, but Andrew Hudson, the convenor of selectors, said Tsolekile was not guaranteed a place in the national side simply by virtue of his contract and that other keepers around the country, such as Heino Kuhn and Dane Vilas, are all eligible for selection.
Hudson said Boucher would groom his successor; the process for appointing one is likely to start on the England tour, for which the panel will consider sending two keepers.
Although he has not clearly identified a replacement, Boucher has helped monitor the situation at his own franchise, the Cobras, where he has played a part in Vilas' development.
"I've been working hard with Dane Vilas. He's extremely talented," he said. For now, Boucher said he is focused on the tour of New Zealand, which could set the tone for South Africa's next year of travel. Boucher arrived with the remaining members of the Test squad last Thursday, and as one of only four players to have been to New Zealand before, on the 2004 tour, is looking forward to the challenge a second time around.
(espn)
