Boucher, Elgar refuse to blame off-field issues for Proteas implosion

After first being put in to bat on a bowler-friendly pitch in Christchurch on Thursday, the Proteas crumbled to 95 all out, their lowest total in the first innings of a Test since 1932.

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It only got worse from there as New Zealand piled on the runs, finishing on 482, before once again bundling out the Proteas for a paltry 111 to win by an innings and 276 runs in the first Test.

It was the Proteas‘ second-worst Test defeat ever, with the the innings and 360-run annihilation suffered on home soil almost 20 years ago against Australia the only saving grace for South Africa.

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After the first Test embarrassment, Proteas Test captain Dean Elgar refused to be drawn on any suggestion that looming case of “gross misconduct” against coach Mark Boucher could have been a distraction.

“I don’t think so. These are definitely not foreign conditions for us with regards to what has been happening off the field,” the coach said.

“I don’t see that as an excuse. I think as a group, we have worked through that and kind of worked it out already.

“I don’t see that as being an influence within our camp. I guess individuals can maybe answer that, but I don’t see it as having an impact over the last few days.”

The Proteas coach will face his misconduct hearing in May

Earlier in the Test, Boucher himself didn’t want to comment on whether the lack of energy from the Proteas might be a result of the off-field distractions, particularly considering some players are expected to testify on behalf of the coach.

“I can’t answer that for the players,” Boucher said.

“You know my stance on this; what is happening in my personal stuff stays personal, and there is a process that’s going on at the moment, and we’ll leave it at that.”

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