South Africa stand-in wicket-keeper AB De Villiers believes that he is ready to take over from his mentor Mark Boucher.

De Villiers, who yesterday confirmed that he would keep wicket for the England Test series, has praised the 35-year-old's influence.

"He was someone who was there at the start of my career, who looked after me, took me under his wing, helped me a lot with my cricket," ESPN quotes De Villiers as saying.

"I probably wouldn't be [playing Tests for South Africa] without him. It's probably a big call but it's true - he's done a lot for my cricket.

"I have a few things to say to some of their guys - things Mark would have said."

Boucher was forced to retire from international cricket after a freak eye injury.