Thursday, July 12, 2012

Thami Tsolekile replaces Mark Boucher


With the replacement of Mark Boucher there is going to be a big change in South Africa’s squad that was announced for the Test series in England. The wicketkeeper-batsman will be replaced by the Lions wicketkeeper, Thami Tsolekile. It is thought that Tsolekile may not be selected for the first Test starting from July 19 as South Africa coach, Gary Kirsten, is likely to use AB de Villiers behind the wicket.
Due to Boucher's retirement from cricket, Tsolekile's inclusion in the squad was very important. Boucher took retirement from cricket because of his serious eye injury that he picked during the tour match against Somerset in Taunton. He had to go under surgery for a scratched eyeball after being struck by a bail.
The 31-year-old player Tsolekile has so far played three Tests for South Africa after making debut in 2004, when Boucher was ruled out of the team. Playing five innings, he scored only 47 runs at an average of 9.40. After Boucher made his comeback in the national team, he was dropped.
Tsolekile began his first-class career in 1999 and in his 13-year career he has played 132 first-class matches and scored 4559 runs at an average of 29.03. He has always been selected as an alternative wicketkeeper in the squad for years and due to Boucher’s permanence in South Africa’s plans, he did not get any opportunity to play in the main squad.

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