Mark Boucher receives treatment after his injury, on Monday. (Getty Images)

London: Mark Boucher has announced his retirement from international cricket after sustaining a severe eye injury during South Africa’s tour match against Somerset on Monday, team captain Graeme Smith confirmed Tuesday afternoon.

The extent of damage to his left eye will be assessed on his return to South Africa after he underwent surgery on Monday night, but the South Africa wicket-keeper has brought forward his decision to retire.

The veteran, a hugely influential figure in the South Africa dressing room, was intending to retire from international cricket after the three-Test series, due to begin on Thursday week.

However, that decision was accelerated after he was struck in the eye by a flying bail during a warm-up match at Taunton, on Monday. He underwent surgery to repair the laceration of the eyeball, which occurred when the bails ricocheted upwards when Imran Tahir bowled Gemaal Hussain and on Tuesday morning it was confirmed that he would play no part in the Test series.

“It is with sadness, and in some pain, that I make this announcement. Due to the severity of my eye injury, I will not be able to play international cricket again,” Boucher said in a statement read out by team captain Graeme Smith.

“I had never anticipated announcing my retirement now, but circumstances have dictated differently. 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,” Boucher said.

“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.”

Smith, South Africa's captain, described Boucher as a “warrior”.

“The fighting spirit you brought to team remains with us,” he said.“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.”

Mohammed Moosajee, the South Africa team doctor, said: “Mark’s surgery, which lasted nearly three hours, showed that he sustained a severe eye injury — and although the surgeon was able to repair the eyeball, the sensitive nature of the injury makes it difficult to determine the extent of the long-term damage.

“I spent the night with him in the recovery ward at the hospital, and he has been overwhelmed by the messages of support and care he has received from all corners of the world.

“He will take no further part in the series against England and will return back to South Africa as soon as possible.”

Stuart Broad, Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior have all voiced their support for the stricken keeper,

Prior wrote on Twitter this morning: “Just seen the news about @markb46. Very sad he’s missing the series and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery. Go well mate £keepersunion.”

His departure leaves a significant gap in the team, with impressive figures of 147 Test appearances, 5,515 runs and 555 dismissals.

South Africa have no reserve specialist wicketkeeper in the squad and may turn to Thami Tsolekile, who played for South Africa A in Durban on Monday, as a replacement.

AB de Villiers, who has previously provided cover behind the stumps in both Tests and one-day Internationals, could also do the job. Boucher’s replacement will be named on Wednesday.

Allan Donald, South Africa bowling coach, hinted that Boucher was considering retirement following the tour.

“He wanted to finish here. He’s been talking about maybe going, if needed, to Australia — but he wanted to go out on a real high in England,” Donald said. “I can’t think of a bigger kick in the teeth than that. To happen on the first day is a cruel blow... Let’s just hope he is going to be okay and take it from there.”

Boucher has been discharged from hospital and was Tuesday waiting at the team hotel for a flight home to become available.