Boucher takes charge with a dig at England

MARK BOUCHER was formally appointed South Africa’s head coach yesterday and immediately issued a warning to Joe Root’s England team: ‘Beware of wounded buffalo, especially in Africa.’ The 43-year-old former wicketkeeper, who played 147 Tests for his country, was appointed by his former captain Graeme Smith, who was himself appointed as interim director of cricket just six days ago. Boucher inherits a team desperately short of confidence against a background of bitter boardroom disarray. Smith said: ‘The Proteas needed a really hardened, internationally experienced guy. Mark is very tactically knowledgeable. We all know what qualities he has as a man, as well.’ Smith also confirmed Faf du Plessis as captain for the England series and confirmed that Enoch Nkwe, who oversaw the Proteas’ 3-0 humiliation in India in October, would be Boucher’s assistant. ‘We have had chats with Enoch about developing him into a high standard international coach,’ said Smith. ‘We feel he has lot of qualities which are going to be very useful to Mark.’

Boucher bristled in typical fashion when asked whether he would be satisfied if the Proteas were ‘competitive’ during England’s visit. ‘My mind is only on winning it,’ he said. ‘I have been involved in some very tough times over the years. One of the toughest was the Hansie Cronje saga and, straight after that, we beat Australia in a series. We have a good chance of turning it around again. Things can turn around in a couple of days, and that is what I am looking to do.

‘This isn’t my first roadshow against England and I know that they have been saying quite a few things in the media about us, and probably rightly so. But I have got a few things to say to them — beware of wounded buffalo, especially in Africa.’

MITCHELL STARC claimed five for 52 as Australia took a huge lead over New Zealand in the first Test in Perth. After the Kiwis had been skittled for 166, Australia closed day three on 167 for six, a lead of 417.