South Africa have appointed Mark Boucher as their new head coach.

Enoch Nkwe will assist Boucher as they prepare for the forthcoming Test series against England that begins on Boxing Day at SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Faf Du Plessis was also confirmed as the Proteas’ Test captain.

Acting director of cricket Graeme Smith believes Boucher’s experience will be key for taking South Africa forward.

Graeme Smith
Graeme Smith unveiled mark Boucher as the new South Africa coach (PA)

Former Proteas wicketkeeper Boucher, 43, played 147 Tests and 295 one-day internationals before retiring in 2012 due to an eye injury.

Boucher was struck in the left eye by a flying bail during a tour match against Somerset while standing up to the stumps to Imran Tahir and after undergoing surgery – immediately after the incident – brought the curtain down on his career.

Ex-South Africa skipper Smith said: “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.

“With his experience of a long career as an international cricketer, he has first-hand experience of what it takes to succeed in the Test arena.

“I have the highest regard for Enoch as well and I want to create a clear path for him to grow into a top international coach.

“At the same time there is a clear need to maintain continuity and stability in the Proteas management team and we will be retaining the technical support staff along with Volvo Masubelele continuing as team manager and Justin Ontong as fielding coach.

“I will be appointing batting and bowling consultants, and these will be announced in the next couple of days.

“As far as my vision for the future is concerned, we need to rewind to performance excellence and that will be the focus going forward. Our public want and demand a world-class Proteas side and we must deliver on that.”