Mark Boucher's former South Africa team-mates are determined to do him proud against England.
Wicketkeeper's misfortune can harden South Africa's resolve
Mark Boucher's former South Africa team-mates are determined to do him proud in the Investec Test series in England.
Boucher's international career was ended abruptly by a horrific injury to his left eye when he was hit by a flying bail at Taunton last week.
Back in South Africa, the 35-year-old is reportedly in good spirits - and although he faces more surgery, those treating him are beginning to sound more hopeful that he may retain some sight in his eye.
Graeme Smith's team will nonetheless have to take on England in three Tests, starting at The Oval on Thursday, without him.
They believe that the veteran wicketkeeper's misfortune can help harden their resolve to try to knock England off the top of the world rankings.
Jacques Rudolph made just that point after South Africa's final warm-up match had ended in a draw against Kent in Canterbury.
"What happened in Taunton was quite traumatic for the whole team," said Rudolph.
Inspiration
"But we made a decision that we've got to try to move on from that as quickly as possible, especially from an emotional point of view.
"Bouch has played a big role in this team. The fact that he is not here will give us a bit more inspiration to do well for him."
While Boucher begins his tough road to recovery, South Africa have made the short trip from Kent to central London.
They did so after Rudolph and two others made half-centuries in a total of 314 all out, before Kent's second-innings reply of 105-0 brought a rain-affected fixture to an inevitable stalemate.
As for what to expect from The Oval pitch, former Surrey batsman Rudolph admits he cannot be sure.
"I don't really know," he said.
"I spent seven weeks there, and was expecting a nice flat wicket - and it wasn't really that.
"It depends a lot on what the weather will do. But I think it will be a decent wicket; the Test ones will always be a little bit different to the county games."
