( CNN ) -- South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has announced his retirement from international cricket after a freak accident during a tour match forced him to undergo surgery on a lacerated eye . Boucher was taken to hospital for an operation after spinner Imran Tahir 's dismissal of Somerset 's Gemaal Hussain caused a bail to flick up into his eye when he was standing up to the wicket . The 35-year-old , who has played in 147 Test matches for his country , will return to South Africa for further treatment as soon as he is able to travel . Boucher spoke of an `` uncertain recovery '' with the wicketkeeper understood to be battling to save the sight in his left eye . South African captain Graeme Smith confirmed Boucher 's retirement from the international team and read out a statement made by the wicketkeeper to reporters at Somerset 's ground in Taunton . `` It is with sadness , and in some pain , that I make this announcement , '' it read . `` 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 have a number of thank you 's to make to people who have made significant contributions during my International career , which I will do in due course . `` For now 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 has been a mainstay of the South African over the past ten years and will remain locked on 999 international dismissals , including a record 555 in Test matches . He made a total of 467 appearances for his country during his 14-year international career . Smith also read out a statement from the team paying tribute to their departing colleague . `` Bouch , we have walked a long road together , and we are saddened to part under these circumstances . `` For the 14 years of your international career , you have been a true Proteas warrior , a patriotic South African , a fighter who asks nothing and gives everything . You have been a 100 percenter for this team . `` You have been more than a performer , you have been a motivator , an inspirer , an energizer ... and a good friend to many . `` You leave us today with sad hearts , but also with a deep gratitude for your contributions to our team , and to us as people . The fighting spirit you brought to team remains with us . We wish you a good as possible recovery from your injury . `` As we bid you a farewell as an International cricketer and wish you well for your future , we keep you as a friend and respected Proteas warrior . '' Boucher 's role as wicketkeeper will now be fulfilled by AB De Villiers , the team announced . The first Test between England and South Africa starts at The Oval in London on July 19 .
South Africa : Mark Taylor retired from international cricket . Mark 's left eye damaged by a pitch during a tour match against Somerset . The 35-year - old underwent emergency surgery after the match at Taunton . Boucher played 12 Test matches for South Africa during a 14-year career .