Cape Town - The Proteas' national selection chief Andrew Hudson says wicketkeeper Mark Boucher's days in the team aren't numbered.
According to the Rapport newspaper, Hudson feels Boucher still has "a lot to offer" despite his recent struggles with the bat.
Boucher, who turned 35 on Saturday, could only muster 20 runs in three innings in the recent Test series against Australia. He comes in to bat at No 7, which meant the South African tail was left exposed too early.
Hudson did, however, acknowledge that Boucher's form with the bat needs to improve.
"He understands that he needs to get some runs," Hudson told the website ESPNcricinfo. "It's not for me to say that, he knows that. Any No 7 needs to be a pin, it is not unique to South Africa."
"If Mark scores runs that puts the debate (over who will be his successor) to rest," Hudson said. "There is no reason he can't keep playing over the next year."
The Proteas take on Sri Lanka in a three-Test series, starting at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 15.
According to the Rapport newspaper, Hudson feels Boucher still has "a lot to offer" despite his recent struggles with the bat.
Boucher, who turned 35 on Saturday, could only muster 20 runs in three innings in the recent Test series against Australia. He comes in to bat at No 7, which meant the South African tail was left exposed too early.
Hudson did, however, acknowledge that Boucher's form with the bat needs to improve.
"He understands that he needs to get some runs," Hudson told the website ESPNcricinfo. "It's not for me to say that, he knows that. Any No 7 needs to be a pin, it is not unique to South Africa."
"If Mark scores runs that puts the debate (over who will be his successor) to rest," Hudson said. "There is no reason he can't keep playing over the next year."
The Proteas take on Sri Lanka in a three-Test series, starting at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 15.