Phil Hughes to Shreyas Iyer: A list of freak injuries on cricket field | Cricket News
Cricket has witnessed several freak on-field injuries over the years, and Shreyas Iyer’s unfortunate episode is the latest addition to that list. (Image credit: Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Two days after Shreyas Iyer walked off the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) clutching his lower left rib cage during the third ODI against Australia, it has now been revealed that India’s vice-captain is still under medical care in a Sydney hospital, recovering from a laceration injury to his spleen, as reported by TimesofIndia.com.Iyer sustained the injury while taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Alex Carey but landed awkwardly in the process.The impact from the fall is believed to have caused a tear in a body part just below the rib cage, leading to significant internal bleeding. Inside the dressing room, Iyer’s condition reportedly deteriorated as his blood pressure dropped sharply, prompting immediate medical attention and his transfer to the hospital.Cricket has witnessed several freak on-field injuries over the years, and Iyer’s unfortunate episode is the latest addition to that list. As the Indian batter continues his recovery, here’s a look at some of the most serious injuries that have occurred on the cricket field.
SERIOUS FREAK INJURIES ON CRICKET FIELD
RAMAN LAMBA (1998) — FATAL HEAD INJURYWhile fielding without protection at short leg during a league match in Dhaka, Lamba was struck on the temple by a pull shot from Mehrab Hossain. He initially walked off the field unaided, but later suffered an internal haemorrhage. Despite doctors’ efforts, he passed away three days later. He declined wearing the helmet for “just three balls” of the over.MARK BOUCHER (2012) — EYE INJURYDuring a tour match against County side Somerset, South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher was struck in the eye by a bail while standing up to leg-spinner Imran Tahir. The injury caused severe damage to his eye, leading to immediate retirement from international cricket. While there was no damage to the retina, it cost him his pupil and iris, and he has had to undergo many procedures.JASON GILLESPIE (1999) — BROKEN LEGWhile attempting a catch during a Test versus Sri Lanka in Kandy, Gillespie collided with teammate Steve Waugh. Gillespie broke his leg and Waugh fractured his nose. Gillespie was carried off the field and missed several matches due to the injury.NARI CONTRACTOR (1962) — SKULL FRACTUREThe Indian opener was hit on the head by a bouncer from fearsome West Indies fast bowler Charlie Griffith. Contractor suffered a fractured skull, went into a coma, and required multiple surgeries. His teammates and even the opposition captain donated blood to save his life. He never played international cricket again.PHILLIP HUGHES (2014) — FATAL HEAD INJURYDuring a Sheffield Shield match, Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes was struck on the neck by a bouncer from Sean Abbott. The impact caused a vertebral artery dissection leading to a fatal brain haemorrhage. Hughes passed away two days later, prompting global changes in helmet safety standards.SABA KARIM (2000) – EYE INJURYWhile wicketkeeping in the Asia Cup against Bangladesh, Karim was hit in the eye by a deflected delivery from Anil Kumble. The injury was career-ending, as it severely affected his vision and forced him into early retirement.
