Mark Boucher ends South Africa career following injury

South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has retired from international cricket after sustaining an eye injury during the tour of England.

The 35-year-old was struck by a bail while standing up to the stumps on day one of the tour match with Somerset.

In a statement, delivered by Proteas captain Graeme Smith, Boucher said he faced "a road of uncertain recovery."

Boucher played 147 Tests and currently holds the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 555.

He also claimed 425 dismissals in one day internationals.

The three-time South African player of the year (1998, 2000 and 2006) finishes with a Test batting average of 30.30, having scored 5515 runs, and a one day international batting average of 28.57, from 4686 runs scored.

"It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement," said Boucher in his statement. "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 onto a road of uncertain recovery."

Boucher added on Twitter: "Your support for me has brought me to my knees. I can't thank you all enough.

"Gonna be a tough time for me regarding my eye but I will pull through. Retirement had to be called a bit early, but thanks to everyone for all the good times and tough times. You have all contributed and I'm truly blessed."

Proteas skipper Smith gave a personal message of his own to his team-mate of 14 years.

"Bouch, we have walked a long road together, and we are saddened to part under these circumstances," he 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 energizer… 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 the 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."

Team-mate Jacques Kallis added: "All we can do is to be there and support him. He seems to be in good spirits and we know he will be in good hands. He has our well wishes as he has done from all around the world."

Boucher, who was on his fourth tour of England, suffered the freak injury on Monday when he was struck by a flying bail while standing up to leg-spinner Imran Tahir on the opening day against Somerset.

He was initially treated on the pitch before being taken to Taunton hospital where he underwent surgery on a lacerated eyeball.

Boucher has since been discharged from hospital and will travel home on the earliest available flight. His eye is still too swollen for a long-term prediction to be made about possible effects on his sight.

After visiting Boucher in hospital, South Africa's team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee told Cricinfo: "The extent of the eye injury can be described as severe. The eyeball was repaired during the operation.

"The long-term prognosis at this stage remains unknown."

The injury is similar to one suffered by England and Middlesex wicketkeeper Paul Downton, who was forced to retire in 1990 after being struck in the eye by a dislodged bail.

Cricket South Africa have announced that a replacement for Boucher for the tour of England will be made on Wednesday.

South Africa have called up specialist keeper Thami Tsolekile to replace Boucher for the tour of England, although AB de Villiers is expected to take the gloves for the first of the three scheduled Tests, which starts at the Oval on 19 July.