Twitter pays tribute to Mark Boucher on his retirement

The retirement of South African wicket keeper Mark Boucher from international cricket has resulted in a wave of tributes from Twitter users around the world.

The player made the announcement shortly after it was revealed that emergency eye surgery would keep him out of the Proteas’ upcoming English tour. His name quickly became a globally trending topic on Twitter:

Most lamented the way Boucher was forced to walk away from the game:

Terribly sad way for Mark Boucher’s career to end. A great servant for South African cricket.

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 10, 2012

So sad that Mark Boucher has had to retire at this moment, under these circumstances. In his statement he talks of “an uncertain recovery”

— AlisonMitchell (@AlisonMitchell) July 10, 2012

What a god awful way to retire from international cricket. Farewell Mark Boucher and a swift recovery

— Andrew Miller (@miller_cricket) July 10, 2012

Gutted about Mark Boucher… Not the best way to retire but what a soldier for South Africa! Definitely a legend @markb46 #veteran

— Aaron Patel (@patel_sta) July 10, 2012

Gutted about Mark Boucher… Not the best way to retire but what a soldier for South Africa! Definitely a legend @markb46 #veteran

— Aaron Patel (@patel_sta) July 10, 2012

Many paid tribute to his achievements on the field:

Take a bow, Mark Boucher. What a career. Finishes on 999 dismissals in international cricket. Will that ever be beaten?

— Dileep Premachandran (@SpiceBoxofEarth) July 10, 2012

So sad for Mark #Boucher – it’s not how he wanted to end a magnificent career, but he was a joy to watch. Thank you, @markb46

— Kevin McCallum (@KevinMcCallum) July 10, 2012

Sad news about Mark #Boucher injury forcing his immediate retirement- so many career highlights- here is one bit.ly/OtArPe

— Jeremy Snape (@thesportingedge) July 10, 2012

There were, of course, some who suggested that the keeper’s retirement was long overdue:

Well, Mark Boucher, shouldn’t you have retired ages ago? But still, legend!

— Aditya(@crystalunicorn) July 10, 2012

Boucher sustained the injury after a bail flew off the top pf the stumps in South Africa’s warm up match against Somerset.

This is the moment South African keeper Mark Boucher was hit in the eye by the bail. twitter.com/SuperSportBlit…

— SuperSport Blitz (@SuperSportBlitz) July 9, 2012

The 36-year-old end his career with 999 test dismissals, a world record. Boucher played his first match for South Africa in 1997 against Pakistan.