Would you drop Mark Boucher from Tests right now?

[Craig]

A few people have pulled him up for his poor form in Test cricket, especially in this series just finished against Australia, and some have suggested he should be replaced. But the thing is, is there anybody better then him in South Africa right now, and not just a token quota, or somebody who has had more then one good year? And is there somebody better 'keeping wise, which to me is the most important factor. I'm not sure whether I would support AB being thrust into that role, as awesome as he is, it could have an affect on his batting form.

So it is a no for me, I think he has done enough over the years to keep his spot, and plus his experience. All cricketers go through bad trotts with the bat, even so for blokes who are not picked first and foremost for that task.

 

[Noble One]

A wicketkeeper of Mark Boucher's class and experience should never be dropped after a couple of average test series with the bat.

He was a class above Haddin with the gloves throughout the 6 test matches against Australia. His batting has been below par of late, but before that he looked pretty good against India, England and Bangladesh. Too early to start writing off a cricketer who has only shown hints of fading.

Unless South Africa have a young keeping talent who is prime to take the number 1 position, stick with Boucher until the signs are really obvious he can no longer cut it.

 

[Langeveldt]

I'd give Kuun a go for the odd match though, definitely need to find a replacement before long

 

[popepouri]

Whatever he does with the gloves makes up for his batting ability (which isn't that bad). I'd prefer saving 4 byes more than hitting a boundary.

 

[Evermind]

Boucher's averaging less than 30 with the bat right now. Not looking good.

 

[ozone]

I would drop him, but not if it meant giving de Villiers the gloves, which is what I think would happen if he is dropped. Basically, only drop him if he's going to replaced with a better keeper/batsman.

 

[Uppercut]

Whatever he does with the gloves makes up for his batting ability (which isn't that bad). I'd prefer saving 4 byes more than hitting a boundary.

Why exactly? They both count the same...

 

[Evermind]

Why exactly? They both count the same...

Technically, lowers chances of a draw.

 

[grant28]

I wouldn't even consider it. His glovework is still world class and ok so he's in a dip of form with the bat, doesn't he at least deserve to be stuck with a lot longer than others round the world.

 

[Burgey]

A wicketkeeper of Mark Boucher's class and experience should never be dropped after a couple of average test series with the bat.

He was a class above Haddin with the gloves throughout the 6 test matches against Australia. His batting has been below par of late, but before that he looked pretty good against India, England and Bangladesh. Too early to start writing off a cricketer who has only shown hints of fading.

Unless South Africa have a young keeping talent who is prime to take the number 1 position, stick with Boucher until the signs are really obvious he can no longer cut it.

This.

His keeping **** all over Haddin's these past 6 tests. Sure his batting wasn't as good as in the past, but it was hardly Chris Martin-esque.

Given the great form de Villiers is in, I'd not be asking him to do anything ATM other than what he's doing. Scoring shed loads and fielding like a genius. de Villiers for Boucher as keeper may weaken the strength that is de Villiers batting, with no trade off in keeping ability.

 

[sammy2]

Cricinfo - Players and Officials - Jeff Dujon

Plz, don't fall into the BS trap of modern cricket.

Look at matt prior his weakness behind the stumps is proving to be more significant than the runs he scored.

 

[Briony]

A year or so ago I would have said no but with the deterioration of his batting and a slight decline in terms of his keeping coupled with the fact that Boucher is getting long in the tooth and they don't play another test for nine months, I would be looking elsewhere. AB would be the best option but it would weaken their general fielding and might detract from his batting.

 

[Debris]

Who do you replace him with? De Villiers seems a risky choice as you might cripple his batting.

Maybe there is a young keeper I am not aware of.

 

[DaRick]

He's in poor form with the bat, not with the gloves. His keeping is still exemplary. Until that declines with his batting and until there is an obvious replacement (excluding AB de Villiers, whose batting may be adversely affected if he keeps), he should be retained.

 

[Burpmybelly]

He is still the best keeper in the world. And he can bat when South Africe needs him.

Besides he is so cute.

 

[Jakester1288]

AB to keeper

AB clarified his w/k stance the other day - he's not against taking the gloves.

Contradiction much?

About the thread, if there is a young keeper with equal or close to the same ability, and the potential, I would be keeping him around the side, but while Boucher is fit, playing and the best option, keep him. AB isn't the best keeper, and although probably test match standard, he may be a Sangakarra kind of, detracting from his batting when he has the gloves.

 

[Jakester1288]

What?

Contradiction may not be the best word, but it's stupid to say someone is not taking the gloves, then naming them as keeper.

 

[SirBloody Idiot]

Contradiction may not be the best word, but it's stupid to say someone is not taking the gloves, then naming them as keeper.

He didn't say that?

 

[adharcric]

Unless Kuhn is ready and Boucher's poor form continues for a few more series, no.

 

[kingkallis]

Some idiots wanted Smit to take over, why? Cause he outbowled all Dolphin bowlers this season! A leggie...

Boucher stays!