Boucher forced to quit after freak eye injury

SOUTH Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has retired from international cricket following the eye injury he suffered against Somerset. The 35-year-old required three hours of surgery on his left eye last night and, after being released yesterday morning, it was first confirmed he would leave the tour.

But, in a prepared statement read out by his Test captain Graeme Smith during lunch on day two of the tour match in Taunton, it was revealed the injury had forced Boucher to end his career.

Smith read Boucher’s statement in the first person, surrounded by his team at the County Ground. “It is with sadness and pain that I announce, due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play international cricket again,” Smith read from Boucher’s statement.

Boucher had intended to retire at the end of the current tour, after his scheduled 150th Test in the final match of three against England. “I prepared for this UK tour as well, if not better, than I have prepared for any tour in my career,” the statement continued. “I would like to thank the huge number of people, many of whom are strangers, for their heartfelt support during the last 24 hours.”

Boucher suffered the freak injury yesterday when he was struck by a flying bail while standing up to leg spinner Imran Tahir on the opening day against Somerset. He fell to the ground and was helped from the pitch with blood apparently coming from his eye.

He was taken to hospital immediately, where he had surgery to repair a laceration to the white of his eyeball, but concerns remain over his long-term health. Team manager Dr Mohammad Moosajee said: “The surgeon described the injuries as extensive and severe. They repaired what they could, especially the lacerations.

“They are hoping that, with time and when the swelling and inflammation settles, we will get a clearer picture. But the prognosis is unclear.”