Johannesburg, July 13: Thami Tsolekile, who has replaced veteran wicketkeeper Mark Boucher in the South African squad for the England tour, has expressed sadness over the unexpected and tragic retirement of Boucher, but is confident about cementing his Test team spot.
Boucher returned to South Africa on Wednesday after undergoing eye surgery, following a freak accident when a bail hit him in the left eye during a tour match against Somerset in Taunton, and also announced his retirement from international cricket.
“First of all, I would like to say it''s very, very unfortunate for Bouch, and I really feel for him,” Sports24 quoted Tsolekile, as saying.
“A lot of people were behind him, but it''s an opportunity for me - an opportunity which I really didn''t expect,” he added.
Tsolekile said Boucher is a true legend, and he cannot be compared with him.
“I''ve learned a lot from Bouch over the years both at the Cobras and when I''ve played against him. He has broken so many records and I don''t want people to compare us,” Tsolekile said.
“He''s a true legend and I haven''t played a lot of international cricket so, yes, I have big shoes to fill and I''m looking forward to the challenge. I''m a fighter and I also bring a lot of energy into the side,” he added.
“If I do get the opportunity to play, I''ll take it with both hands,” he said.
© ANI
