South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has retired from international cricket after sustaining an eye injury during the tour of England.
The 35-year-old was struck by a bail while standing up to the stumps on day one of the tour match with Somerset.
In a statement, delivered by Proteas captain Graeme Smith, Boucher said he faced "a road of uncertain recovery."
Boucher played 147 Tests and currently holds the world record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper with 555.
He also claimed 425 dismissals in one day internationals.
The three-time South African player of the year (1998, 2000 and 2006) finishes with a Test batting average of 30.30, having scored 5515 runs, and a one day international batting average of 28.57, from 4686 runs scored.
"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.
"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 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."
Boucher, who was on his fourth tour of England, suffered the freak injury on Monday when he was struck by a flying bail while standing up to leg-spinner Imran Tahir on the opening day against Somerset.
He was initially treated on the pitch before being taken to Taunton hospital where he underwent surgery on a lacerated eyeball.
Boucher has since been discharged from hospital and will travel home on the earliest available flight. His eye is still too swollen for a long-term prediction to be made about possible effects on his sight.
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