Serious eye injury cut shorts Mark Boucher’s tour – Cricket News Update
South Africa’s Test wicket-keeper, Mark Boucher, has suffered a serious eye injury, which has ruled him out from his side’s forthcoming series against England.
The veteran sustained the injury during the opening day of the first practice match against Somerset where a ball from spinner Imran Tahir struck the wickets, and the dislodged bail went on to hit Boucher on the left eye, resulting in immediate bleeding.
He was carried off the field and went for surgery, the results of which were expected to determine whether he will remain for the remainder of the tour. The chances were bleak as it was confirmed that the blow did significant damage to the white part of the eye, referred as laceration of the sclera.
"I don't think he will be ready for the first Test and I don't know about the series," Mohammed Moosajee, the South Africa manager confirmed after the end of the first day against Somerset. "
However, it has now been verified that the veteran player will indeed fly back home, with Moosajee describing the injury as severe.
“The extent of the eye injury can be described as severe. The eyeball (globe of the eye) was repaired during the operation," Moosajee told ESPNcricinfo. "The long-term prognosis at this stage remains unknown. He is definitely out of the series and will return home as soon as able to travel. The selectors will announce a replacement shortly."
The news is a devastating one for Boucher, who earlier said that the forthcoming series could be his last in Proteas colours. The player is currently stuck on 999 International dismissals and the conclusion of series would have seen him make his 150th appearance for the national side in the longer version.
His replacement has yet to be announced but Thami Tsolekile remains the likeliest choice. The 31-year-old has previously featured in only three Test matches, the last of which came in 2004, ironically against England at Port Elizabeth.
However, for now AB de Villiers, the ODI and T20 captain, is expected to do the glove work. He deputized in the remaining overs against Somerset and could also take further responsibility when the eventual Test series starts from July 19th.
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