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Cape Town - Former Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher says he would pick Ryan McLaren in place of the retired Jacques Kallis in the South African Test team.
Kallis retired from Test cricket following South Africa's series victory over India late last year, leaving a big all-rounder void as the Proteas prepare for a three-Test home series against Australia next month.
Boucher said McLaren is currently best suited to step into Kallis's shoes.
“Ryan is extremely experienced, is a brave cricketer and has a sound technique," Boucher was quoted as saying on the supersport.com website.
“He also has the ability to dry up one end like Jacques. He will be able to fulfil the holding role like Jacques.
“Ultimately, Jacques cannot be replaced. But I guess Ryan should get first role of the dice,” he added.
“Ryan has a solid cricket brain and he is the type of cricketer that, when given responsibility, will thrive,” Boucher said.
McLaren, 30, has played in 40 ODIs but only one Test. He is, however, a vastly experienced player at first-class level, having scored 3 860 runs (average 30.63) and capturing 329 wickets (average 25.47) in 103 matches.
The first Test against the Australians starts at Centurion on February 12.
Kallis retired from Test cricket following South Africa's series victory over India late last year, leaving a big all-rounder void as the Proteas prepare for a three-Test home series against Australia next month.
Boucher said McLaren is currently best suited to step into Kallis's shoes.
“Ryan is extremely experienced, is a brave cricketer and has a sound technique," Boucher was quoted as saying on the supersport.com website.
“He also has the ability to dry up one end like Jacques. He will be able to fulfil the holding role like Jacques.
“Ultimately, Jacques cannot be replaced. But I guess Ryan should get first role of the dice,” he added.
“Ryan has a solid cricket brain and he is the type of cricketer that, when given responsibility, will thrive,” Boucher said.
McLaren, 30, has played in 40 ODIs but only one Test. He is, however, a vastly experienced player at first-class level, having scored 3 860 runs (average 30.63) and capturing 329 wickets (average 25.47) in 103 matches.
The first Test against the Australians starts at Centurion on February 12.
