Cobras sign Protea star

Mark Boucher has switched his allegiance from the Eastern to the Western Cape and will play his domestic cricket for the Cape Cobras next season.

The decision by the Proteas wicketkeeper will come as a huge boost for the Cobras, who finished stone last in the SuperSport Series.

"In terms of his Cricket South Africa contract he has to commit himself to his franchise for next season and he has informed Dave Emslie (chief executive of the Eastern Cape Warriors) that he will be playing for us," said Cobras chief executive André Odendaal.

"Like Graeme Smith, Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince, his appearances for us may be limited but he will have a huge influence on what is basically a young squad.

"He is the sort of role model our young players need and we could not have asked for anybody better in that regard."

The Proteas will be at home for virtually the entire South African summer next season which will increase his chances of playing domestic cricket.

It has been a good week for the Cobras as the Cricket South Africa grounds committee has been impressed by the improvement in the Newlands wicket and outfield and the ground should be confirmed as a venue for the Twenty20 World Championship in September when the ICC meets in Cape Town at the end of this week.

There has also apparently been a major sponsorship deal for Western Province although details will only be confirmed after the next council meeting.