Marking time

I have nothing but admiration for Mark Boucher. My opinion has escalated further following his recent decision to call a timeline on his career following the mid-year tour of England should he be selected.

Mark may well have gotten ahead of himself (to his detriment) a few times throughout his outstanding contribution to South African cricket, but that is not an uncommon thread when it comes to world class athletes. An air of confidence, even arrogance is considered an essential dynamic for success. It is primarily engaged to exude superiority but also sporadically used to mask doubt, which in turn erodes genuine self-belief.

Boucher’s career statistics are extraordinary and for those numbers alone he should be showered with accolades. He quite rightly says he wants to be selected on merit and not reputation to tour England and in the twilight of his career has some work ahead of him in New Zealand. Mark is a realist. He will know his keeping is not up to the high standards he has set himself over the years. He also knows he is not gloving to international standards.

Personally I feel he was lucky to be selected for the test squad to New Zealand but maybe he deserves an extended opportunity more than most. The keeping standards were a concern during the recent international campaigns in South Africa and a couple of crucial mistakes allowed opponents to capitalise. It was a glaring weak link among an otherwise reasonably solid summer.

Remember that very few gave Mark much chance for national longevity when he took over the gloves from obscurity in 1997 as a 19-year-old whippersnapper. His single-minded determination was enormously underestimated then. Now he has the desire to sign off his career in style.

One thing is certain, never doubt the resolve and doggedness of Mark Boucher. He is one of cricket’s great competitors. He has a point to prove and he knows it.