'A man for the trenches'

"Bouch … for the 14 years of your international career, you have been a true Proteas warrior, a patriotic South African, a fighter who asks nothing and gives everything … You have been more than a performer; you have been a motivator, an inspirer, an energiser, and a good friend to many. You leave us today with sad hearts, but also with a deep gratitude for your contributions to our team, and to us as people. The fighting spirit you brought to team remains with us."
South Africa captain Graeme Smith

"As a player he was a man for the trenches. He had a way about him that he could dig deep down and play the percentages. It is rare to find that in a player and Boucher had that ability. As a person he always stood-up for what he believed in but he was also a great team man."
Former South Africa spinner Pat Symcox

"He's solid. He was the bulldog of the team and would really gee up the guys in the change room to say 'let's go out and get the job done'. But he is really going to be missed not only for what he did on the field but what he contributed off of it."
Former South Africa allrounder Lance Klusener

"Just seen the news about Mark. Very sad he's missing the series [against England] and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery. Go well mate."
England wicketkeeper Matt Prior

"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

"A very sad day in cricket hearing the news of @markb46 retirement, we were still shocked by news of his injuries. You'll always be a legend."
Former South Africa team-mate Makhaya Ntini on Twitter

"Sad day, as @markb46 is forced to retire from cricket. Congratulations on a great career! What a loss to cricket!"
South Africa team-mate Alviro Petersen

"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

"Our prayers go out to Mark Boucher. Such a freak incident but very optimistic he'll pull through. Such a fighter."
Robin Peterson, Boucher's South Africa team-mate

"Love him or hate him but one thing that @markb46 was and always will be is a #TeamPlayer. Congratulations on a magnificent career Bouch #Gun"
South Africa team-mate Wayne Parnell

"Well done @markb46, fantastic career and icon of SA cricket team. Speedy recovery bud."
Netherlands' Ryan ten Doeschate

"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