Mark Boucher’s retirement overshadowed half-centuries from Hashim Amla and JP Duminy as South Africa warmed up for next week’s first Test against England in a drawn tour match at Somerset on Tuesday. While Amla and Duminy looked in good form, it was Boucher’s decision to retire from international action, revealed by South African captain Graeme Smith during the second and final day at Taunton, that took the spotlight. The long-serving South African wicketkeeper was forced to hang up his gloves after being hit in the eye by a bail during the first day’s play. Boucher, who had already planned to quit at the end of the England tour, needed three hours of surgery on his eye and opted to bring forward his retirement plans as he contemplates a lengthy rehabilitation. “It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement,” Boucher said in a 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. “For now, I’d like to thank a huge number of people for their heartfelt support for the last 24 hours. I now head onto a road of uncertain recovery.” Team manager Mohammad Moosajee said: “They are hoping that with time and when the swelling and inflammation settles we will get a clearer picture. But at the minute the prognosis is unclear. “We need to remain as positive as we can – but we will only know in a few weeks’ time.”
