S. Africa’s Mark Boucher retires after eye injury

LONDON – South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has retired from international cricket after suffering a severe eye injury during his country’s tour match against Somerset, team captain Graeme Smith revealed on Tuesday.

Boucher had to undergo surgery on a “laceration” to the white of the left eyeball on Monday night after being struck by a bail on day one of the Proteas’ tour match at Taunton.

The incident occurred when a ball from spinner Imran Tahir clean bowled Gemaal Hussain, with Boucher stood up to the stumps and wearing a cap instead of a helmet.

He immediately hit the ground and was helped from the pitch with blood apparently coming from his eye.

The 35-year-old was due to return home after the operation and Smith, speaking at Taunton, read out a statement on Boucher’s behalf that confirmed his retirement from South Africa duty.

“I never anticipate announcing my retirement now but circumstances dictate differently,” Boucher said in the statement.

“For now, I’d like to thank a huge number of people for their heartfelt support for the last 24 hours. I now head onto a road of uncertain recovery.”