Proteas coach Mark Boucher is hoping that his players will give Pakistanis good cricket in the two-Test series and three Twenty20
matches they are going to play against Pakistan.
The Proteas are leaving for Pakistan to start their first tour of that sub-continent nation in 14 years. Boucher was still playing for the
Proteas during their last tour of Pakistan in 2007.
‘‘From playing cricket there, it’s tough. It’s different to some sub-continent countries. Usually, when you go to India, the ball
turns, in Pakistan it is conducive to fast bowling, very flat,’’ Boucher said.
‘‘As a place, the last time on our last tour we were not allowed to leave our hotel. A message from me to the team is that cricket has not been played there in some time, it’s missed in that country. We are going to put on a good show for everyone in Pakistan as well.’’
East London-born Boucher is not concerned about security in Pakistan as he trusts the security detail around his team.
‘‘I know that our security officers are looking at a club next door to the hotel. As I said before we used to spend time in hotels in lockdown scenarios in the sub-continent. We should be fine,’’ he said.
‘‘I spoke to Mickey Arthur (Sri Lanka coach) after the Sri Lanka tour, he also alluded to the fact that the wicket is good for batting. If
you apply your mind to batting on the crease there is a lot of runs there.’’
Meanwhile, Boucher is not sure about what is going to happen during the Twenty20 matches against Pakistan as the Proteas will have to start preparing for Australia, who are going to tour South Africa in February and March.
‘‘I don’t know exactly what is going to happen, there is still communication with Australia. The initial talk was that Enoch (Nkwe) might remain in Pakistan to finish off the series and I will come back. It is a bit of a nightmare logistically, we are preparing for most of our management to come back, maybe two will stay over,’’ Boucher said.
