South Africa have employed the veteran Mark Boucher to act as the inexperienced Quinton de Kock's mentor during this month's ODI series against New Zealand.

De Kock has been chosen as the first choice wicketkeeper, affording captain AB de Villiers the opportunity to play as a specialist batsman in. Boucher, who played 147 Tests, 295 ODIs and 25 T20Is before retiring last year, will work alongside the 20-year-old in Paarl, Kimberley and Potchefstroom.

"When Mark retired I said to him that his 147 Test matches of experience at international level is something I wouldn't want to turn away, I think he has a lot to offer," said coach Gary Kirsten.

"We felt that the perfect place would be for a younger keeper like Quinton to spend some time with him and to really give him an understanding of the skills required and more importantly the pressure of international competition."

De Kock, meanwhile, has been cleared to play in the opening fixtures of the three-match affair. The talented right-hander, however, will still face a disciplinary hearing - and potentially a two-game ban - after a breach in conduct during a domestic match between the Cape Cobras and Highveld Lions at Newlands in Cape Town. He has been charged with allegedly pushing an opposition bowler.

"Quinton will get a good understanding of what that is in the next few days and I think that will help him and give him direction in terms of how he goes about his cricket in the future," added Kirsten.

"It's a privilege to play for your country for anyone and I think the senior players will help in giving him a good understanding of what the responsibilities are attached to it."