Support for injured Boucher flows in via Twitter

Cape Town: Several big names in South African cricket have taken to twitter to support wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who injured his eye in a freak accident during the first day of the Proteas’ tour opener against English county Somerset on Monday.

The 35-year-old was hit in the face when a bail ricocheted off the stumps as Gemaal Hussain was bowled by Imran Tahir. Boucher was standing up to the stumps, but he was wearing a cap rather than a helmet. After treatment on the field, Boucher was helped off with blood coming from his left eye. He underwent emergency exploratory surgery on Monday night, Sport24 reports. Proteas coach Gary Kirsten was quick to rally behind the keeper known for his never-say-die attitude. “Special thoughts and prayers for Bouch as he undergoes eye surgery. Tough day for us all as we see one of cricketing warriors get badly hurt,” he tweeted. Proteas one-day spinner Roelof van der Merwe said: “I``m sure @markb46 will be all good after op!hard as nails!!!speedy recovery my boy!!!.” Former Proteas spinner and a team-mate of Boucher, Pat Symcox, was also shocked by the news. “So hoping my friend @markb46 is going to be ok,” he tweeted. The following Protea players also expressed their well-wishes. Opening batsman Alviro Peterson had this to say: “@markb46 in for surgery on his eye. Hope to hear good news mate! #ProteaFire!.” Seamer Vernon Philander: "@markb46 good luck with the opp champ, our thoughts and prayers are with you. #champion." AB de Villiers, who took over the wicketkeeping duties from Boucher, said: “Thinking of you my Staffie @markb46 !!! Fight like never before my bud. We`ll be there for you.” ANI