Boucher revels in record

South African wicketkeeper surpasses Healy

Last updated: 3rd October 2007

Boucher Mark South Africa Oct 07

Boucher: 396 Test dismissals

It's a great feeling to have broken the record, especially of someone who I used to watch on television as a schoolboy. Healy was great and I used to love the way he kept (wicket). In a way it's a great feeling but it is also sad to break such a good keeper's record.

Mark Boucher
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South Africa's Mark Boucher paid tribute to Ian Healy after breaking the Australian's record for Test dismissals on the third day against Pakistan in Karachi.

Wicketkeeper Boucher equalled Healy's mark of 395 when he stumped Shoaib Malik and then broke the record by stumping Umar Gul six overs later, both off the bowling of left-arm spinner Paul Harris during the afternoon session.

"It's a great feeling to have broken the record, especially of someone who I used to watch on television as a schoolboy," said Boucher, who was making his 103rd Test appearance.

"Healy was great and I used to love the way he kept (wicket). In a way it's a great feeling but it is also sad to break such a good keeper's record.

"I have played enough Tests so if you play over 100 Tests, records come your way. But this is the best record I have achieved and I am happy with that.

"The bottom line for me is if we can pull off a win in this Test. It will be probably be the cherry on top for me."

Cherry

South Africa are well placed to provide Boucher with that 'cherry', having closed the third day at 76-3 in their second innings, a lead of 235 on a rapidly wearing pitch at the National Stadium.

Left-arm spinner Harris is likely to spearhead the Proteas' victory charge, having finished with a maiden five-wicket haul in the first innings.

"Harry bowled really well he dried up one end for us in the day and bowled lot of pressure balls," noted Boucher.

"It is great for South African cricket to have a spinner do that.

"The difference between Paul and other spinners is he is tall and gets bounce and consistently puts the ball in the right areas."