Mark Boucher ruled out of England Test series
Mark Boucher has been forced home after eye surgery
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Tuesday, 10, Jul 2012 09:49
By Mark Fordham
South Africa have confirmed that wicketkeeper Mark Boucher will miss the upcoming Test series with England after undergoing surgery on an eye injury.
The 35-year-old was struck on the eyeball by a bail while standing up to the stumps on the opening day of their tour match with Somerset.
He underwent surgery on a lacerated eyeball at 19:00 BST Monday night and earlier today Cricket South Africa confirmed he would be going home.
It is assumed that South Africa will be calling up a replacement as the only other person who can keep wicket in the touring party is batsman AB De Villiers.
In total, Boucher has taken part in 147 Tests for South Africa and is the current record-holder for the number of dismissals in the five-day format, which stands at 555.
Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee told Cricinfo: "The extent of the eye injury can be described as severe. The eyeball was repaired during the operation. The long-term prognosis at this stage remains unknown."