5 times when players played despite being severely injured

Injuries can be one of the toughest phases in the game of cricket, and it requires a lot of bravery to come out on the ground again. But players have shown that the nation comes before anything else as they have played in pain for the team. It takes a big heart to continue playing despite an injury popping up. Here are 5 prominent occasions when players played despite being severely injured.

Bert Sutcliffe vs South Africa in 1953

Bert Sutcliffe was a New Zealand batter who sent a strong message to the cricket fans through his brave knock against South Africa in 1953. He was injured and was taken to the hospital after getting hurt in the first innings. However, he returned with a bandage tied on his head and added 25 in an over, which was a record at that time, to remain unbeaten on 80.

Graeme Smith vs Australia in 2009

Popularly remembered for his captaincy, Graeme Smith was a born leader, and he never backed down against any challenges. Having already sealed the series 2-0, South Africa did not take the third Test for liking and Smith had to retire hurt in the first innings after a blow to his hand. In the second innings on the final day, Smith had to save the Proteas from a defeat and he came out to bat as the number 11 batter. He batted with one hand and won the hearts, although could not save his side.

Malcolm Marshall vs England in 1984

In the 1984 tour to England, Malcolm Marshall suffered a thumb injury at the Headingly in Leeds. However, he came out to bat to help his partner Larry Gomes who needed 4 runs to complete his century and Marshall swung against the ball. He later bowled in the second innings with a broken thumb and picked up 7 wickets.

Gary Kirsten vs Pakistan in 2004

Gary Kirsten came up against one of the fastest bowlers ever to have played the game, Shoaib Akhtar and in the process, a bouncer broke his nose. However, the left-hander kept batting and was retired hurt after making a half-century. It was one of the most unpleasant scenes as Kirsten had a swelled face after the innings.

Anil Kumble vs West Indies in 2002

Anil Kumble is known for his gritty performances and he showed the world why he is a champion bowler in 2002 against West Indies. The leg-spinner broke his jaw while batting at the Antigua Test, but it did not stop him from bowling 14 overs in the next innings. He had a bandage rolled on his head to stop bleeding and picked up the important wicket of Brian Lara in the Test.