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Mark Boucher retires from international cricket. posted under: South Africa | All news |
 South Africa’s veteran and most probably the best wicketkeeper in the world Mark Boucher announced his retirement from international cricket today (Tuesday, 10 July 2012) after undergoing an eye surgery following a horrific injury yesterday.
Boucher’s left eyeball was punctured after it was struck by a bail which was dislodged by a delivery by leg-spinner Imran Tahir. Boucher was keeping wicket right up at the stumps when the incident occurred and had to leave the field, bleeding from the eye. It was a 2-Day warm-up match against Somerset before they Proteas face England in a 3-Test series.
Boucher, who was playing only Test cricket for his country in last couple of years, had hinted that this England's tour would be his last, seeing that if he had played the three matches, he would have reached 150 Test matches.
Mark Boucher finished career with record of most dismissals as keeper in test cricket and second most in ODIs, only behind Adam Gilchrist of Australia. Boucher also hit the winning runs in greatest ODI where Proteas chased down Aussie 434.
In a statement by the keeper posted on Cricket South Africa’s website, South Africa’s captain Graeme Smith read out: “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 never anticipated announcing my retirement now, but circumstances have dictated differently.”
These words were said by Boucher himself, who had to undergo surgery the same day.
“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,” he added.
Graeme Smith spoke about the veteran and referred to him as a “warrior”.
“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,” Smith was quoted saying.
Boucher, 30, made his test debut in 1997 and played 147 tests for South Africa, becoming the first wicketkeeper to take 500 catches in test cricket. Till yesterday, he was at 555 dismissals. He was a strong batsman as well and had made five centuries for his team. |
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