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, as would be expected for leg-spinner Tahir, 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.

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," tweeted Kirsten.

Titans and SA 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.

SA-born England star batsman Kevin Pietersen also sent well wishes to Boucher, tweeting: My thoughts are fully with my good mate @markb46 right now as he has surgery on his eye! Pull through tiki!!

The following Proteas 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."

Spinner Robin Peterson: "Our prayers go out to mark boucher. Such a freak incident but very optimistic he'll pull through.such a fighter."

Opening batsman Jacques Rudolph: "If there is one man who will come out fighting from adversity its @markb46...#legend."

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."

Big names from other sporting codes also wished Boucher a successful recovery.

Former Springbok rugby player Bob Skinstad said: "@markb46 - big strongs champ, hope you get better soon, sending all positive thoughts !!."

Golfer and 2008 Masters champion Trevor Immelman said: "Thoughts and prayers go out to @markb46. Get well soon Bouch!! #cricketlegend."