LONDON: South Indian wicket Keeper Mark Boucher retires from International cricket after an eyeball injury on Monday during South Africa's tour of England.

"It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement," said Boucher in his statement. "Due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play International cricket again." He added "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.

Mark faced an eye injury while standing on the stumps when he was struck by a flying bail.

Proteas skipper Smith gave a personal message of his own to his team-mate of 14 years. "Bouch, we have walked a long road together, and we are saddened to part under these circumstances."