Dean Elgar: England just played good Test cricket; Mark Boucher to stand down after T20 World Cup

Much has been made of England's aggressive approach in the longest format under captain Ben Stokes this summer, playfully dubbed 'Bazball' in homage to head coach Brendon McCullum.

While England have distanced themselves from the term, it is one that seemed to irritate some in the South Africa camp pre-series, with Elgar saying he would not "entertain that phrase anymore".

And when asked about his reflections on 'Bazball' after England's nine-wicket win in the decisive third Test on Monday morning, Elgar bristled: "I'm not speaking about that."

While there were just nine days of on-field action across the three-match series, with England winning 2-1, Elgar rejected the theory Stokes' side prevailed because of a supremely positive intent.

"I actually thought they played relatively good Test cricket," he said. "I didn't think they played extraordinary cricket and they played the correct tempo.

"I don't think it was out of the ordinary.

"When their tail was up they sought a moment and they went for it. I didn't think they played ultra aggressive cricket, I just thought they played good cricket.

"I didn't see that 'B-word' at all coming through, I just felt they controlled it well. And this is throughout the whole series, I thought they played pretty accurate Test cricket."

Boucher's resignation was announced hours after South Africa's LV= Insurance Test series defeat against England on Monday as he looks to pursue other opportunities and personal objectives.

A former wicketkeeper who played 147 Tests and 295 one-day internationals for the Proteas, Boucher took up his coaching post in December 2019 during a period of great upheaval both on and off the field.

Under Boucher, South Africa have risen to second in the World Test Championship standings and memorably claimed a 2-1 series triumph at home over a vaunted India last winter.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Pholetsi Moseki said: "We would like to thank Mark for the time and effort he has invested in South African cricket as the head coach over the past three years.

"He has helped navigate us through some rough waters following the departures of so many senior players through retirement and has helped lay some strong foundations for the next generation of Proteas."

In May, CSA charges of gross misconduct and racism against Boucher were formally and unreservedly withdrawn. They related to allegations involving his former team-mate Paul Adams and an investigation into the resignation of his former assistant coach Enoch Nkwe.

But both Adams and Nkwe decided against giving testimony, leaving CSA to conclude that there was "no basis to sustain any of the disciplinary charges", as Boucher was allowed to continue as head coach.

Nkwe, now CSA director of cricket, said of Boucher's impending departure: "We are deeply saddened by Mark's decision to leave us but we also understand and respect his wishes. He is a Proteas legend and has done so much for the game in our country, both on the field and over the last three years off it.

"He has built a sound platform for South Africa to flourish in all three formats and I'm sure we will see the results of that at the T20 World Cup next month."

CSA says it will announce a successor to Boucher, who will stand aside after the T20 World Cup which runs from October 16 to November 13, "in due course".