Eye injury ends Boucher's career

A serious eye injury has ended the playing career of South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who retired on Tuesday.

Boucher was on South Africa's tour of England, his fourth of the United Kingdom, when he was struck in the eye by a bail during day a tour match against Somerset on Monday.

The 35-year-old, who played 147 Tests and was voted South African player of the year on three occasions, was standing up to leg-spinner Imran Tahir when the freak accident occurred.

Boucher suffered a lacerated eyeball and underwent surgery after the match but has since been discharged, although doctors are unable make a long-term prognosis on his eye sight due to swelling.

And South Africa captain Graeme Smith revealed the news in a prepared statement during lunch of the Somerset match.

"It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement," Boucher, who has the world record for most Test dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 555, said in a statement read by Smith.

"Due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play international cricket again.

"I had prepared for this UK tour as well, if not better, than I have prepared for any tour in my career.

"I had never anticipated announcing my retirement now, but circumstances have dictated differently.

"I would like to thank the huge number of people, many of whom are strangers, for their heartfelt support during the past 24 hours.

"I am deeply touched by all the well wishes, I wish the team well in the UK, as I head home and on to a road of uncertain recovery."

Smith had his own words for Boucher, a player widely regarded as the greatest-ever wicketkeeper to be produced by South Africa.

"Bouch, we have walked a long road together, and we are saddened to part under these circumstances," Smith said.

"For the 14 years of your International career, you have been a true Proteas warrior, a patriotic South African, a fighter who asks nothing and gives everything.

"You have been a 100 percenter for this team. You have been more than a performer, you have been a motivator, an inspirer, an energiser… and a good friend to many.

"You leave us today with sad hearts, but also with a deep gratitude for your contributions to our team, and to us as people.

"The fighting spirit you brought to team remains with us. We wish you a good as possible recovery from your injury.

"As we bid you a farewell as an international cricketer and wish you well for your future, we keep you as a friend and respected Proteas warrior."

Boucher leaves international cricket with 999 dismissals in both Tests and the one-day form, a Test run tally of 5515 runs at an average of 30.30 and 4686 runs in one-day internationals with an average of 28.57.