Boucher Retires From International Cricket Due To Freak Eye Injury

Veteran South African wicket-keeper Mark Boucher announced his retirement from international cricket due to an eye injury which suddenly ending the career of the most successful wicketkeeper in tests.

Boucher, who undergoes a serious three-hour eye surgery, admitted that an “uncertain recovery” forced him to take the decision. The 35-year-old Boucher sustained a serious eye injury on Monday when a googly from Imran Tahir cleaned up Somerset batsman Gemaal Hussain but the dislodged bail hit the glovesman on the eye. He left the ground bleeding profusely.

Boucher holds the world record of 999 dismissals and just three games away from playing his 150th Test matches. One of the finest wicketkeeper-batsman of his time, Boucher played 147 Test matches with a world record of 555 dismissals which include 532 catches and 23 stumpings.

He scored 5515 runs with five centuries and 35 half centuries at an average of 30.30. He also played 295 ODIs in which he effected 425 dismissals with 403 catches. He scored 4686 runs with a century and 26 half centuries.

“It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement. Due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play international cricket again.”

“I had prepared for this England 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 have a number of thank you’s to make to people who have made significant contributions during my International career, which I will do in due course,” Boucher said.

“For now, 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.”