Boucher says its time for Proteas to get back to Pakistan
Proteas team director Mark Boucher was still a player when the side last visited Pakistan and believes that it is time for the cricketing world to resume normal tours to the country.
Boucher is happy with the security arrangements ahead of the Proteas arrival in Pakistan for their first visit for a bilateral series since 2007.
Boucher happy with security in Pakistan
Cricket South Africa sent a security delegation to assess the measures in place and they are happy with what Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said would be state guest level protection including a detachment of 500 paramilitary Rangers.
“We’ve had our (security) guys go there and do a recce of the situation and they have said it is safe,” Boucher told reporters ahead of the team’s departure.
“So from my side there are no issues, we have to get back there and start playing cricket.”
The Proteas haven’t won a Test in Asia since their 2014 trip to Sri Lanka but Boucher feels the conditions in Pakistan will suit his side better than the tracks those in India, then UAE or Sri Lanka.
“It is tough but different to India and Sri Lanka, where it (the ball) turns. Pakistan is more conducive to fast bowling. Reverse swing was very big, though regulations are tighter these days on how you can work on the ball.
“They are historically flat wickets. The areas you score as a batsman are different. If you apply yourself there are a lot of runs out there.”
Feeling the loss of Kallis
Boucher said he was disappointed to lose the services of batting consultant Jacques Kallis, who joined the England backroom staff ahead of their tour to Sri Lanka.
“He is on my radar in terms of trying to get him back involved in the set-up. I hope we treat him with care as he has shown he has a lot of other opportunities in world cricket.
“He is a massive loss but I know Jacques would love to be working in South African cricket. The knowledge he has needs to be utilised.”
Pakistan host the Proteas in the first of two Tests from 26 January 2021.
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