Boucher rewarded with improved contract
The South African board (CSA) has announced that Mark Boucher has had his contract upgraded from A to an A+
Cricinfo staff
30-Oct-2006
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"Mark has regained his A+ contract following some outstanding performances and for his overall contribution to the Proteas' team effort during the 2006/2007 season so far," Gerald Majola, CSA's chief executive, explained. "Mark's A + contract was amended to A after he was dropped for the tour to India in November 2004, after a loss of form and a decline in his very high standards. He was told at the time that should he regain his previous form, he would be reselected and then his contract would be reviewed annually.
"His commitment and skills have come to fruition again during this season. His batting averages for Tests and ODIs so far this season are 46.50 and 65.25 respectively, and he has taken a number of superb catches that have turned matches.
"Two of his stand-out innings were the 50 off 43 balls that helped set a new world record against Australia at the Wanderers in the final match of the ODI series, and his 69 off 98 balls was a major factor in the Proteas' win against Pakistan to reach the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy."
Boucher is one of four players on top-ranked contracts - the others are Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Makhaya Ntini.
"Obviously I'm very pleased to regain an A+ contract," Boucher said. "I've worked really very hard at my game and have been rewarded with more consistency".