Mark Boucher

Mark Verdon Boucher, born on December 3, 1976, East London, Cape Province is the perfect definition of a hard working cricketer. He wasn't a naturally gifted batsman unlike some of his other compatriots, but he overcame a few limitations and paved his way to the top, and with 999 International dismissals to his credit, is considered as one of the best in the business.

He made his Test debut in 1997 against Pakistan at Sheikupura, drafted into the squad at the last moment as a replacement for the injured Dave Richardson. As a youngster making his way through, he had big boots to fill. He made an immediate impact though with his agility and footwork behind the stumps and gained a lot of admirers.

In Pakistan's return tour to South Africa in early 1998, he forged an unforgettable record 9th wicket stand of 185 with Pat Symcox. The astonishing thing, however, wasn't about the numbers, but the fact that the Proteas were in a lot of danger at 186/8 when the duo came together.

He became the quickest to reach 100 dismissals, had the most innings without conceding a bye, and made 75 consecutive appearances in Tests before he was dropped for the 2004 tour of India, replaced by Thami Tsolekile. He held the record for the most dismissals in Test cricket as well as the highest score by a night watchman when he made 125 against Zimbabwe at Harare in 1999, only to be surpassed by Jason Gillespie who made a double ton against Bangladesh.

Boucher's was the steady hand that guided South Africa in the closing stages of their epic victory over Australia in March 2006, as the Proteas chased down the Aussies' 434. Later in the year, he went on to scale another peak, scoring the second fastest ODI century ever, against Zimbabwe where he made 143 in just 68 balls, with his century coming up in just 44 deliveries.

He was an able deputy to captain Graeme Smith on a consistent basis, but the only thing that his resume doesn't boast of, is the captaincy.

With 3 World Cup appearances, 100 plus Test matches and 200 plus ODIs, Boucher was largely instrumental in South Africa's journey to becoming one of the best Test teams of all times. Unfortunately though, he suffered a serious injury on 9th July 2012, while playing a practice game on the tour of England. He was hit in the eye by a bail after Tahir bowled Somerset batsman Gemaal Hussain. Boucher was not wearing a helmet nor glasses. He underwent surgery and was ruled out of the tour. Boucher, who planned to retire after the series, was forced to quit all forms of cricket on 10th July 2012.

Thankfully, there was no damage done to the retina and the doctors felt that Boucher could recover his vision. After undergoing two successful operations the doctors said that they were "cautiously optimistic of Boucher regaining complete vision".

by Shashank and Akshay Maanay