Mark Boucher says Quinton de Kock’s Test retirement is “sad” but he backs the man who will replace him for the second Test against India at the Wanderers.
In an interview with Rapport newspaper, Boucher admitted De Kock’s decision surprised the Proteas.
“You do not expect anyone of his caliber to retire at that age. They usually play until the age of 35 or 36.
“It came as a shock. But we fully respect his reasons. It’s sad, but we’ll have to keep going. We’re in the middle of a series and we cannot wonder about it for too long. We need to focus on the guys who come in his place and hopefully they can do something similar to what Quinny offered us.
“He had a fantastic Test career.”
OPINION: Proteas may be better off without loveless De Kock
Boucher confirmed that Kyle Verreynne, who has a first-class batting average of 51.95, is next in line.
“I kind of feel sorry for Kyle, because he has been on a few cricket tours and he has been sitting on the sidelines for a while. He waited his turn and honed his game. We have been working closely with him lately.
“It’s not that he is new to the system. He’s been around the guys for a while. So he will quietly have confidence in his game and he will be able to move in seamlessly. ”
