23 February,2009 01:52 PM IST | | PTI
South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher has a long cherished dream of seeing his team lift the World Cup and says winning the coveted trophy in 2011 will be a perfect way to end his career.
In a career spanning 12 years, Boucher has played 123 Tests, 275 one-day internationals and is the most successful wicket-keeper with 466 victims to his name.
"I increasingly hear people say that I'm getting long in the tooth, but many players only start their international careers at my age," Boucher told the Cape Town Afrikaans newspaper, Rapport. "To win Test series in England and Australia were always two of my major goals and to do it in one year is incredible.
"My last long-term goal would be to win the World Cup in 2011, but I'm also realistic and realise that one should never plan that far ahead. I had a career full of highlights, but it will be great to finish it with a World Cup win. Then it also becomes more satisfying to see the young guys achieve success at the top level. I will be happy to expedite the process by giving them advice," he added.
Currently preparing for the Test series against the visiting Australians which starts on Thursday in Johannesburg, Boucher said he still has at least three years of cricket in him and would like to continue till he is fit.
"Just because I have played for South Africa for 12 years does not mean I'm over the hill. I have another two or three years of Test cricket in me. As long as I stay injury free, can make a contribution and steer clear of injuries, I will give everything for my country," he said.
