South Africa have been enduring tough times recently, both on the field and off it. But new coach Mark Boucher feels his team can use that as motivation against England, likening them to a ‘wounded buffalo’.

“They [England] have been saying quite a few things in the media but I’ve got one thing to say to them: Beware a wounded buffalo, especially in Africa,” Boucher cautioned the visiting team.

South Africa have lost each of their last five Tests, getting shocked 2-0 at home by Sri Lanka last season before being stomped 3-0 in India more recently. To make matters worse, the governing body has been embroiled in controversy too, with CEO Thabang Moroe undergoing suspension for alleged misconduct.

But Boucher feels that South Africa have generally bounced back hard after dire situations. “I’ve been involved in sides over the years where we have had some tough times. One of the toughest times was the Hansie Cronje saga (in 2000) and straight after that we beat Australia,” Boucher said. “I think we’ve got a good chance of turning it around. Sport is an amazing thing, it can be turned around in a couple of days but I understand there is a lot of work to be done.”

In order to address the current situation, Cricket South Africa have turned to the previous batch of players. Graeme Smith, the world’s most successful Test captain, has been appointed the director of cricket and it was he who appointed Boucher, the most prolific Test wicketkeeper, as coach.

Meanwhile, Ashwell Prince, who was Smith’s opening partner, has been put in charge of the South Africa A side. Boucher feels this move to appoint past players will help nurture the present batch of cricketers.

“Our confidence is a bit down, but there’s a wealth of knowledge in this country that can get utilised,” Boucher said. “We need to get as much information going in the right direction and give the players the space to try and perform at their best. We’ve got the talent in this country. It needs to be nurtured a bit and given the opportunities for information to come through.”

Speaking of talent in the country, AB de Villiers – one of the world’s most explosive, yet consistent, batsmen – is currently out of the reckoning for national duty after he retired from international cricket in May 2018. But he has continued to impress in T20 competitions across the world. The star batsman had expressed his desire to play in the 2019 World Cup earlier this year, but was turned down because he made the offer too close to start of the tournament.

But with the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Boucher has said he’s willing to talk to de Villiers about the potential of him becoming available to wear South African colours again. “When you go to a World Cup you want your best players playing for you. Why wouldn’t I want to have a conversation with him?” he said. “I might have conversations with quite a few players and see where they are.”