Cricketers who braved injuries and continued to play for their country
Injuries have always been a part of the game in cricket or in any other sport. We have seen broken jaws and limbs as a result of players colliding with each other or getting hit by the ball on several occasions. We all remember the tragedy that took the life of Raman Lamba. One more recent bad memory is that of Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who collapsed on the field was later declared dead.Sometimes, however, we see individuals playing on despite carrying injuries. They go through all the pain, stick in there and sometimes even win the match for their teams.Here are a few matches when cricket players braved injuries to resume playing for their team:
#6 Graeme Smith
2009 saw one of the most hard-fought Test series between two of the strongest sides, South Africa and Australia. Playing against Australia in their own backyard is never easy. South Africa pulled off a miraculous 414-run chase in the first Test and Dale Steyn ensured South Africa won the series in the next match.
The final Test in Sydney was played in no different spirit. After scoring 394 in the first innings, Australia restricted South Africa to a total of 327. In the same
Australia scored 257 in their second innings setting up a huge target of 376 for South Africa to win the match. When Steyn got out as the ninth wicket with 9 overs left everyone thought that the match was over. Just then the Proteas skipper came out to bat with a bandage on his hand. With injections and painkillers, he hung around in pain.
Makhaya Ntini was equally resolute on the other end. The duo fought bravely till Mitchell Johnson finally managed to get Smith out, ending his 17-ball knock. Australia won the match by 103 runs with 10 balls left.