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Eastern Cape premier Noxolo Kiviet has paid tribute to East London born cricketer Mark Boucher who announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday.
Boucher was hit in the left eye by a bail while playing in the Proteas opening England tour match against Somerset on Monday.
Tributes have been pouring in for him ever since.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, premier Kiviet wished him a speedy recovery and urged the people of the Eastern Cape to keep him and his family in their prayers.
The premier said Boucher is a legend of the game, a true patriot and an inspiration to many young cricketers in the province and the country.
In a posting on twitter, Boucher said 'your support for me has brought me to my knees! I can't thank you all enough.
Going to be a tough time forr me regarding my eye but I will pull through.
