South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher claimed a world record for Test catches on the first day of the first Test against Pakistan at Centurion Park on Thursday -- but said his objective was to break the record for total dismissals.
Playing in his 100th Test, Boucher took his 367th catch when he held a simple chance from Faisal Iqbal, his second victim in Pakistan's innings. The visitors ended the day on 245-5.
Boucher moved ahead of Australia's Ian Healy, who took 366 catches in 119 matches.
Healy still holds the record for most dismissals as he made 29 stumpings in his career for a total of 395.
Boucher, who has 15 stumpings, moved into second place with a total of 382 dismissals, one more than Australia's Adam Gilchrist, who has held 344 catches and made 37 stumpings in 90 Tests.
"I haven't been aware of the most catches," Boucher said. "I have been aware of the most dismissals and that's something I've been eyeing."
Boucher said he and Gilchrist were "having a bit of a race" to get past Healy's record.
"I've probably got my nose in front at the moment because I have a couple more Tests to play [this season] and he's finished with his Test cricket for a while," he said.
Asked to compare himself with other leading wicketkeepers, Boucher paid special tribute to Gilchrist.
"He's taken wicketkeeping and batting to a new level. He's set the standard for a lot of guys. Kumar Sangakkara I rate more for his batting but he does a great job for Sri Lanka with the gloves as well, Boucher said.
"Myself and [New Zealand's] Brendon McCullum are more `keeping-batters.' If I can do a job down the order with the bat, which I think I have done down the years, then I'm a satisfied cricketer."
Boucher has played in 99 Tests for South Africa and one for the World XI against Australia last season. He held two of his catches for the World team.
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