Their new director of cricket, former captain Graeme Smith, felt that Boucher "will bring the toughness to turn a young and inexperienced Proteas squad into a battle-ready outfit". While speaking to media persons after himself being newly appointed director, Smith mentioned how Boucher's lengthy international experience of being successful at the highest level would make a big difference for a shaken side. Boucher, 43, represented South Africa in 147 Tests, 295 ODIs and 25 T20s in a career that started in 1997 and ended with an unfortunate, freakish injury on the tour of England in 2012.

Enoch Nkwe, whom Smith replaced as team director, will now act as Boucher’s deputy, with Volvo Masubelele, Justin Ontong and Faf du Plessis all continuing in their respective positions of team manager, fielding coach and captain.

Smith also discussed about the potential choices of batting and bowling coaches, which, he mentioned, would be revealing in a few days’ time. Among Smith’s priorities as team director lies the selection of a strong South Africa squad for the home series against England starting with the first Test on December 26.

"The Test squad will then go into immediate camp to prepare for the Test series and some of them will be included in the South Africa A team. Aiden Markram is likely to be the only player released for franchise duty in the 4-day series as he is in need of match practice after his lengthy injury-enforced absence", he said.

South Africa face England in four Tests, three ODIs and three T20s after returning from India with a 0-3 whitewash in the Test series.