Mark Boucher praised Henry Davids’ ability to get fit for the One Day Cup final, which saw the seasoned batsman hit a ton to help his side lift the trophy.

Davids was remarkable throughout the Titans’ One Day Cup campaign, and topped the batsman standings with 673 runs, hitting three centuries and three half centuries.

The 37-year-old was vital in his side’s journey to lift the trophy, and Boucher was complimentary about his attitude leading up to the final.

‘You can call him old, he nearly lost two hamstrings in the space of two weeks, he’s a madala,’ laughed the Titans coach.

‘He’s been a match winner for us. He’s been working so hard on his fitness, sitting in oxygen chambers for eight hours a day just to try and get his body ready for this game. The guy’s heart and soul is in Titans cricket.’

Davids, chuffed at the compliments he received from his coach and his fellow teammates, responded:

‘I’ve heard it a lot this week from the other guys, that I’m like good red wine, getting better with age, I like that,’ said Davids.

His 114 in his side’s 236-run victory over the Warriors on Friday was his third century of the tournament and he highlighted a change in approach as key to his performances this season.

ALSO READ: Titans storm to One Day Cup title

‘I’ve given myself a few overs this season to get in, and then play from there. In the past I tried to play big shots very early on, this year I stopped that,’ said Davids.

‘Once I had a feel of the wicket, it became easier for me to play shots. It was a case of balancing it out and it’s worked out.

‘It’s been awesome. In the past I got slashing 60s, quick 30s and got out, this year there was one innings in the 30s, I’ve been converting the scores, which has been pleasing.’

The Titans opener injured both hamstrings, which kept him out of the Titans’ last two league matches. He did not give up on his desire to play in the final though, and fought hard to get fit.

‘Luckily we had 10 days, the backroom staff, Sizwe [Hades, the Titans doctor], jissis, they did their utmost to get me on the park again,’ Davids added.

‘I was in oxygen chambers to get me out there, but it worked. I’m just very grateful for what the guys did for me over the last couple of days. To play today was just awesome.’

ALSO READ: Davids tops One Day Cup standings

Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix