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South Africa's wicketkeeper Mark Boucher will miss the upcoming Test series with England after suffering a serious eye injury.
The 35-year-old was in his usual position behind the stumps for the tour match with Somerset when he was struck by a bail.
Boucher wasn't wearing a helmet when the object hit him after leg-spinner Imran Tahir had bowled out Somerset's Gemmai Hussain.
The Proteas wicketkeeper was treated on the field before being rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery on a lacerated eyeball.
South Africa have now confirmed Boucher could require further surgery to correct the problem and has been sent home.
South Africa Team Manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee told Cricinfo: "The extent of the eye injury can be described as severe. The eyeball (globe of the eye) was repaired during the operation,"
"The long-term prognosis at this stage remains unknown. He is definitely out of the series and will return home as soon as able to travel. The selectors will announce a replacement shortly."
AB de Villiers took over behind the stumps for South Africa after Boucher had left the field but may not remain there for the series, with Thami Tsolekile in line for a call-up.
South Africa, who are2.80to win the Test series, will certainly miss Boucher, the Warriors star having featured in 147 Test matches, taking 555 victims in that time.
The first Test match begins on January 19 at the Oval, with England2.75to get off to a winning start, while the Proteas are3.50and the draw is2.50.
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