Boucher retires with 999 international dismissals

The eye injury sustained yesterday denied the prolific stumper a well-deserved swansong.

Yahoo! Cricket – Tue 10 Jul, 2012 6:14 PM IST

Boucher hit the winning runs in the game of a lifetime, against Australia, March 12, 2006.

The most prolific wicketkeeper in international cricket, South Africa’s Mark Boucher announced his retirement today following a painful injury to his left eye.

Boucher, 35, was struck in the eye by a bail in Taunton where South Africa were in a practice game against Somerset. Boucher has been a permanent fixture of South Africa’s Test side since 1997 and the limited overs squad till late 2011.

Boucher retires with 999 dismissals in all international cricket. He had 555 Test dismissals  with 523 catches, both records, in 147 Test matches. No specialist wicketkeeper has earned more Tests caps than the diminutive stumper who started his career in 1997, taking over from Dave Richardson.

He also had 425 ODI dismissals, with 403 catches, which puts him behind only Australia’s Adam Gilchrist, who had 472 dismissals. Gilchrist also had 416 dismissals in Tests.

Boucher had indicated the England tour would be his last assignment for the Proteas. He underwent a three-hour surgery and since there’s no timeline being suggested for him to be fit again, he will play no further part on the tour. Thami Tsolekile, who had played three Tests in 2004, is set to replace Boucher.

South Africa’s Test captain Graeme Smith read Boucher’s statement which announced the end of his international career.

 “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,” the statement said.

Click for reactionsClick for reactions“I had prepared for this UK 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.”

“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.”

 Smith had a personal message for his colleague. 

“Bouch, we have walked a long road together, and we are saddened to part under these circumstances. For the 14 years of your international career, you have been a true Proteas warrior, a patriotic South African, a fighter who asks nothing and gives everything,” Smith said.

“You have been a 100 percenter for this team. You have been more than a performer, you have been a motivator, an inspirer, an energizer… and a good friend to many. You leave us today with sad hearts, but also with a deep gratitude for your contributions to our team, and to us as people.”

“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.”







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