Another legendary keeper moves to second innings of Life

July 11, 2012 

A man to go to war with, but never against, Mark Boucher packed all the archetypical attributes of the South African cricketer into his short, stocky frame. He was relentlessly competitive, invariably aggressive, and as hard and uncompromising as the new ball. After an international career that lasted almost 15 years, the end was desperately unfortunate, as Boucher was forced to announce his retirement after being hit in the eye by a bail in a warm-up game on the tour to England in 2012, which would have been his last series anyway. Boucher finished with 998 international dismissals as a wicketkeeper, including 555 in 147 Tests.

Cricketers, former and present, react to Mark Boucher's retirement, following by his eye injury

Graeme Smith: "You have been more than a performer; you have been a motivator, an inspirer, an energiser, and a good friend

"Very sad Bouch's career had to end in this way, he deserved a really good send-off 4 all he had done 4 the Proteas, congrats on a gr8 career!"
Former South Africa captain Shaun Pollock

"Congratulations to @markb46 on a fine career brought to a premature end. Hope the eye op proves successful. Life member of keepers' union."
Former England wicketkeeper Alec Stewart


"We have called Matt Prior the engine of England team for the last two years. Well, Boucher has been the engine of the South Africa team for 15 years in all formats of the game. He has been an amazing cricketer in terms of skill level and also his competitive nature. He is a guy that sees things in a very proactive fashion. He'll be massively missed. He is definitely up there with the best."
Former England captain Michael Vaughan