Boucher (20), was summonsed to Pakistan after Dave Richardson injured a hamstring in the three-day match against an Allied Bank XI at Peshawar and could yet be included in the side for the second Test which starts at Sheikupura on Friday.

``I got the call at nine this morning,'' said an excited Boucher shortly before leaving East London yesterday.

``The thought of playing for South Africa is always in the back of a player's mind, but I tried not to think about it even though the opinion is that Dave is nearing the end of the line.

``I'm sure there will be a few butterflies if I do get the chance to play, but I am not short of confidence. I have been keeping well and batting well and don't reckon conditions in Pakistan will be too tough.

``In fact, the conditions over there will probably suit me from a batting point of view because I tend to play the spinners very well.''

Boucher spent a lot of time working on his wicketkeeping during the winter but although he has been given an ideal opportunity to establish himself as Richardson's successor, he is taking nothing for granted.

``I have worked very hard in recent months, especially on my keeping,'' said Boucher, who toured England with the SA under-19 team in 1995. ``However, there are a number of very talented wicketkeepers in South Africa and I know that there is going to be a lot of competition for Dave's spot once he decides to retire.

``I think my present form has a lot to do with the decision to fly me to Pakistan. I'm on top of my game and scored 61 in our Standard Bank League match against North West at Fochville last week.''