Five cricketers to continue playing despite painful injuries

Cricket is called the Gentleman’s game for the spirit it is played with. On many occasions, players have been tested to their limits with the bat and ball. Despite all the protection and safety measures, the game has seen many injuries. 

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Adding yet another dimension to the world grit and determination, players have shown resolve. Cricketers have come out and braved it for the sake of their team and played despite painful injuries. 

In this article, we take a closer look at the five cricketers to continue playing despite suffering injuries. 

5- Anil Kumble – India 

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India’s 2002 tour of West Indies saw the fourth Test being played in St. John’s in Antigua. Mervyn Dillon bowled a sharp bouncer at Anil Kumble and the Indian great got hit in his jaw. 

It was announced that Kumble was set to fly back to India to fix his injury. Much to everyone’s surprise the leg-spinner came out to bowl and even got a wicket. This was one of the biggest examples of a cricketer who played with an injury. 

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4- Graeme Smith – South Africa 

Former South Africa skipper Graeme Smith was the personification of grit and resolve. During the 2009 tour of Australia in Sydney, Mitchell Johnson broke Smith’s hand with a bouncer. With the game heading into the final hour, Smith came out to bat. In one of the best moments of a cricketer playing with an injury, Graeme Smith came out to cheers.

Even the Australian crowd cheered the South African skipper. Batting with one hand, Graeme Smith couldn’t prevent Australia from winning the game in the final moments of the day. Ricky Ponting could be seen lauding the courage shown by Smith as the two teams walked off- the field. 

3- Malcolm Marshall – West Indies 

Considered one of the greatest fast bowlers, Malcolm Marshall was in a league of his own. After suffering a broken hand, the cricketer played with a massive injury. Larry Gomes reached his ton thanks to Marshall batting with just one hand. 

It was with the ball that the former pacer did the damage and helped his side win the game. With figures of 7/53, Malcolm Marshall single-handedly won the game and the hearts of every cricket fan. 

2- Shane Watson – Australia/ Chennai Super Kings 

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings played one of the best IPL finals in the history of the tournament. Shane Watson had injured himself during the earlier part of the tournament. 

As the Mumbai bowlers kept taking wickets, Shane Watson wagged a lone battle. The Australian playing his final game of competitive cricket was out for 80. Mumbai won the game and the title by 1 run despite the Aussie cricketer gusting it out and playing with an injury. 

1- Shamar Joseph – West Indies 

Just like Malcolm Marshall had done nearly four decades ago, Shamar Joseph wrote his name in the history books. Mitchell Starc had injured his toe towards the end of day three as West Indies declared their innings. 

The 24-year-old cricketer played with an injury and picked career-best figures of 7-68 with the ball. This helped the West Indians to win the game by 8 runs to achieve their first win in Australian soil in 27 years.