Mark Boucher's international cricket career may have come to an abrupt end after he was ruled out of South Africa's tour of England with an eye injury.
Boucher was hit in the left eye yesterday when a bail richoted into his face off an Imraan Tahir delivery on the opening day of their first tour match against Somerset.
Cricket South Africa says Boucher will be returning home as soon as possible following initial surgery to his ruptured left eyeball last night that lasted nearly three hours.
Team manager Mohammed Moosajee said it was difficult to determine the extent of the long-term damage at this stage.
At the age of 35, Boucher had indicated before the tour that it was likely to be his last with the national team.
He has played 147 tests and had hoped to reach the 150-test mark in the three-test series against England.
The selectors will make an announcement regarding a replacement tomorrow.
Limited overs skipper AB de Villiers, already on tour, could replace Boucher behind the stumps, but Thami Tsokekile, a CSA
contracted player, is expected to be called up.
