Cricket news round-up – December 15: Mark Boucher named South Africa head coach

Mark Boucher has been appointed South Africa coach on a four-year contract in the latest step in a new era for Cricket South Africa. Elsewhere, the fourth day’s play was washed out in Rawalpindi, Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the Boxing Day Test, and a blow for Billings.

Mark Boucher appointed South Africa coach

Mark Boucher has been appointed as permanent coach of South Africa till 2023, with Cricket South Africa tying him to a four-year deal. The announcement was made on Saturday, December 14.

Graeme Smith, his former teammate, in one on his first acts as acting director of cricket, has made the appointment, in what is considered a new era for South African cricket.

“I have brought Boucher on board because I feel he will bring the toughness to turn a young and inexperienced Proteas squad into a battle-ready outfit,” said Smith.

Another day washed out in Rawalpindi Test

Rain and bad light in Rawalpindi effected another washout in the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with not one ball being bowled on the fourth day.

Only 91.2 overs were possible in the first four days of the Test, with a combination of rain and bad light truncating play each day.

However, there is forecast for better weather ahead of the final day, and the hope is that at least some play will be possible in the first Test in Pakistan in over 10 years.

Josh Hazlewood set to miss Boxing Day Test

Australia have suffered a blow with pacer Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the Boxing Day Test against New Zealand.

Hazlewood limped off nine balls into his spell in the first innings against New Zealand, and scans since confirmed he had done his left hamstring.

It has since been confirmed he will miss the marquee Boxing Day Test of the series in Melbourne, and the hope is he can recover in time for the New Year’s Test in Sydney.

Sam Billings takes break from cricket

After being overlooked by England for their white-ball squads for the tour of South Africa, Sam Billings has announced he will take a break from cricket in order to “freshen up”.

Billings was vice-captain of the T20I side for the tour of New Zealand last month, but managed only meagre returns. With big stars returning to the T20I side for the South Africa series, Billings was left out of the squad altogether, and that has forced him to revaluate his career.

“All the best to the lads heading to South Africa,” Billings wrote on Twitter. “Huge amount of depth esp [sic] in the white ball game atm. Of course disappointed not to be involved but wish the boys all the best. Will be working hard to get back in the mix (in all formats) in the near future!”