Boucher expects 'extra niggle' against Australia

Mark Boucher, the South Africa wicketkeeper, has come to epitomise the rivalry between South Africa and Australia. Besides his unbeaten half-century in that 438 game, a knock that took South Africa over the line, its Boucher's bull-dog personality and dogged determination that represents the intensity of the contest between the two nations. Having made his name as a fighter, Boucher is expected to play a key role in the upcoming ODI series and has a good reason to resume the battle in a big way.

"There will probably bit a little extra niggle in this series," Boucher said in Centurion. "Personally, having been out of the system for a while, in the one-day format, I am up for it."

Boucher replaced AB de Villiers as the team's wicketkeeper, after de Villiers broke a finger while training with the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Champions League. Boucher had previously played in an ODI against in June last year and was left out of the squad that travelled to the World Cup in February. With age not on his side, Boucher was thought to have reached the end of his career as a limited-overs player but repeatedly said he was interested in making a comeback. His experience is something South Africa have missed and will welcome for this important series, along with that of opening bowler Dale Steyn and allrounder Jacques Kallis.

"With the likes of Kallis, Steyn, [Ricky] Ponting, [Michael] Hussey and [Michael] Clarke, the level of cricket will be improved," Boucher said. "We have played against each other before, we know what to expect, we know it's going to be really tough."

Like Boucher, Ponting will be watched closely as he enters the twilight years. Without the responsibility of leading the side, some may think Ponting is a soft target, but Boucher said he does not expect Ponting to be vulnerable at all. "He is a fantastic player, he's got nothing to prove coming in as a guy who is not a captain. If anything, he is probably more dangerous," Boucher said. "He is probably more relaxed, he doesn't have to worry about what the media's comments are. He can just get on with his game. The Ponting with that sort of mindset, can be very dangerous."

With senior players returning on both sides, there is a sense that the real contest starts on Wednesday, when the first ODI gets underway. Boucher said that that while it is an advantage to have the stalwarts back, Twenty20 cricket cannot be ignored and the drawn T20 series set the tone for the rest of the tour. "You can't wipe out the Twenty20s, it's a game where you represent your country. Twenty20 is a part of the game now," he said.

The T20s also gave both teams an opportunity to assess their bench strength and try out younger players. For Australia, it was particularly beneficial, as Patrick Cummins had the chance to announce his arrival in international cricket. But, someone who missed out on the occasion was David Warner, who returned from back-to-back centuries in the Champions League for New South Wales to record back-to-back ducks against South Africa. Boucher said it was a bit of rude awakening for the Australian opener. "He is up against quality opening bowlers in Steyn, [Morne] Morkel, [Wayne] Parnell in different conditions," he said. "He is probably desperate for a bit of form as well."

Warner may be feeling the pressure to produce in the near future and so will Mitchell Johnson, who troubled the South African batsmen when he last here in 2009 but has been through a rough patch. Boucher expects Johnson to bounce back. "He is a danger man," he said. "We can go through the whole Australian team and I can say the same about all of them. All those guys are under pressure and they've got things that they want to do and sometimes pressure situations bring the best out of the best players in the world and he is certainly up there."

South Africa are under pressure as well. Under Gary Kirsten, they are expected to show improvement, especially in ODIs, and make up for some of the disappointment experienced at the World Cup. Although Kirsten has only been in charge of the team for two matches, Boucher said the players are already benefitting from his presence. "He is a very well respected man, not just in South Africa but around the world," Boucher said. "When he talks, you listen. He's got respect and you don't take him for a fool at all." Kirsten is also bringing an element of serenity to a squad that is feeling the heat. "He is very relaxed and calm and that rubs off on players. Sometimes you can have a nervous coach, a guy with his hands everywhere, but Gary is very calm."