South African cricket: Under-fire Team Director Mark Boucher hails progress

South Africa team director Mark Boucher has Sunday hailed the progress made by his team.

Boucher is facing charges which could lead to his dismissal but remained focused on what took place on the field in the series against India.

Speaking to the media for the first time since he was presented with a list of charges of “gross misconduct”, Boucher said he was proud of the players.

South Africa completed a double of Test and one-day series wins against India with a four-run win in the third one-day international at Newlands in Cape Town.

Cricket South Africa announced on Thursday that Boucher would face a formal disciplinary hearing into allegations of racism relating to a song about former teammate Paul Adams as well as sidelining assistant coach Enoch Nkwe.

Since the official announcement, South African media have reported that a seven-page charge sheet contains numerous allegations and also includes a statement by CSA that “the nature of your misconduct is gross and of such a serious nature to warrant termination of your employment.”

Joy for Bairstow and England

What next for Broad?

Bangladesh stun New Zealand

Anderson continues to shine

Enthralling SA v India Test

Stokes not an England captain

Jos Buttler shows resistance for England in The Ashes, but what is he?

It has also been reported that Graeme Smith, CSA’s director of cricket, will face charges relating to Boucher’s employment. There has been no official confirmation of charges against Smith, whose contract expires at the end of March.

During his press conference on Sunday, Boucher was asked about the disruptive effect on the team of the charges against him. “I can’t answer that – not now, in any case,” he said.

Instead Boucher focused on the progress made by