Former South African wicket keeper batter Mark Boucher is celebrating his 48th birthday on December 3, 2024. Known for his ability to accumulate runs with his measured approach, Boucher is also regarded as one of the best wicket-keepers in the world, and has a record for most dismissals by a wicket-keeper across all formats in international cricket. He wasn’t known for scoring big runs, but his frequent 30s and 40s turned out to be crucial for the Proteas on many occasions.
Mark Boucher made his international debut in a Test match against Pakistan in Sheikhupura on October 17, 1997. SInce then, he went on to play 147 Tests, 295 ODIs, and 25 T20Is in his international career, amassing 10469 runs in all three formats combined. He was also a part of the South African team that won the Champions Trophy in 1998. Post his cricketing career, Mark Boucher took over coaching roles, where he was appointed as head coach of the South African cricket team 2019 to 2022, before he joined Mumbai Indians as head coach in 2023.
Mark Boucher's Career Records
Most dismissals by wicketkeeper in international cricket (Tests+ODIs+T20Is): Mark Boucher has achieved all-time most dismissals by a wicket-keeper across all formats in international cricket. The former Proteas cricketer has 998 dismissals in all three formats combined, including 424 in ODIs, 555 in Tests, and 19 in the T20I format.
5000+ runs and 500+ dismissals in Test cricket: Mark Boucher is in the elite list of wicket-keepers who have scored more than 5000 runs and inflicted 500+ dismissals in Tests. The former cricketer has scored 5515 runs with the bat, and has 555 dismissals in the longest format of the game.
Most dismissals in an ODI innings: Mark Boucher has a record for most dismissal in an innings of an ODI match. The wicket-keeper took six catches in a match against Pakistan in Cape Town on February 11, 2007.
Highest partnership for the 9th wicket in Test: Mark Boucher has been a part of the highest partnership before the fall of 9th wicket in Test cricket. During a Test match against Pakistan in Johannesburg in February, 1998, Boucher (78 off 161) added 195 runs with Pat Symcox who top scored with 108(157) runs.
