Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in an address to the media before South Africa and England’s ODI and T20i series, discussed a diverse range of issues, including AB de Villiers’ future in the Proteas setup and the performance of Proteas players in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League. 

Responding to a question on AB de Villiers’ position in the Proteas T20 team, Boucher revealed that De Villiers was a part of the discussions before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the international cricket calendar.

De Villiers, Boucher said, is “always in the scheme of things if he’s playing good cricket,” and he is “still one of the best players in the world and showed it in the IPL as well.”

In recent times, however, Boucher has not spoken to De Villiers, given he was playing in the IPL. Closer to the T20 World Cup, Boucher will have another conversation with De Villiers, particularly to determine “if he is still able to add value to the Proteas setup.” 

The standout performances of Proteas players in this edition of the IPL was a “shining light,” Boucher explained, because there was a “lot of hard work put in by those players before they left.”

Viewing the performances of Proteas players in the IPL as beneficial for the national team, Boucher said, “The guys that got good opportunities really performed well and it only stands us in good stead. For them to come back into our system, we are truly blessed.”

Boucher showered praise on Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje’s bowling partnership for the Delhi Capitals, stating that two bowlers delivering express pace is “a good asset to have,” and said the Proteas management is always on the lookout for quality fast bowlers. 

Through the course of this press conference, Boucher highlighted the importance of managing the workloads of the Proteas fast bowlers. Resting Rabada before the COVID-19 pandemic, which was then extended by pandemic disrupting the international cricket calendar, proved to be helpful.

Seeing Rabada’s sterling performances at the IPL, Boucher explained, “we can see the value of giving him rest.” Ultimately, managing fast bowlers need careful planning because “we can’t keep playing these guys who bowl 150 clicks day-in and day-out.”