Dive into cricket’s unusual side with unexpected incidents that made headlines! From Quinton de Kock’s dog walk mishap to avocado-related events, explore the most strangest moments off the pitch.
While cricket is, at its origin, a sport filled with its fair share of mid-game injuries, there’s a curious side to the game, with players sidelined due to strange happenings. It’s not just the strains and breaks in the action; it’s also the off-field incidents that often make the headlines.
Josh Inglis’ Golf-Induced Hand Injury
In cricket, injuries can often be attributed to physical exertion and athletic prowess. Yet, Josh Inglis took an unexpected route to an injury when his hand suffered a significant injury.
At the same time, he was engaged in a game of golf. The mishap was undoubtedly a far cry from the typical cricketing injuries one might expect.
Alyssa Healy’s Misfortune with Dogs
Alyssa Healy found herself in an unusual predicament when her dogs became the unwitting culprits in her injury. Her badly injured finger required surgery, putting her on the growing list of cricketers whose uncommon injuries have kept them away from the pitch.
Glenn Maxwell’s Birthday Party Mishap
Glenn Maxwell had a birthday party adventure he would like to forget. During a friend’s 50th birthday celebration, a simple slip led to a severe leg fracture. To make matters worse, this unfortunate event occurred shortly after Australia’s exit from the T20 World Cup, affecting the rest of Maxwell’s home summer season. The long-term implications of the injury and the surgery required are challenges he will have to grapple with throughout his career.
Jonny Bairstow’s Golfing Misadventure
Not too far from Glenn Maxwell’s golfing injury, Jonny Bairstow experienced a rather horrific mishap while on the golf course. The slip on a tee box during a round of golf caused him significant damage. This accident occurred when Bairstow was enjoying a career-best run during the Baseball era of the 2022 season.
Despite the setback, he managed to stage a comeback in the 2023 summer, featuring in the Ashes series. How Bairstow responded to his injuries can be matched with anyone who faced similar circumstances. He wondered if he could, ever again, walk or jog or for important matters, ever play cricket again.
Josh Inglis’ Unlucky Golf Round (Again)
Josh Inglis experienced another golf-related incident shortly before Australia’s 2022 T20 World Cup. It snapped during a routine club swing, leading to a severe hand injury. In Inglis’ own words, the sight was gruesome. The injury not only caused significant bleeding but also exposed the inner flesh. He considered himself fortunate not to have sustained a more severe injury.
Cooper Connolly’s Boating Accident
More recently, Cooper Connolly of Western Australia saw his dreams of a Sheffield Shield debut dashed due to a boating accident. The mishap resulted in a badly damaged toe, necessitating surgery.
Matthew Hayden’s Dog Bite
Dogs can be loyal companions, but in cricket, they’ve been known to cause a few mishaps. Matthew Hayden’s story is a classic example. He was out for a run ahead of the 2006-07 Ashes series when a dog suddenly attacked him. The result? A badly bitten ankle kept him away from the pitch.
Dane van Niekerk’s Avocado Mishap
Dogs aren’t the only household entities responsible for cricket injuries. South African all-rounder Dane van Niekerk experienced an unexpected accident involving an avocado. While preparing this household fruit, she cut her hand, leading to her sidelining for part of the 2019-20 season.
Unusual household accidents have been a recurring theme for the Sydney Sixers. With the World Cup 2023 underway, fans can only wonder what thrilling surprises and unforgettable moments lie ahead on the international cricket stage.
Quinton de Kock’s Dog Walk Gone Wrong
South Africa’s wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, was in a predicament during a walk with his dogs.
He twisted his knee while out for a stroll on the eve of a Test match in Johannesburg against England in 2015-16. However, he made a triumphant return in the following game, scoring an impressive 129 not out.
Jimmy Adams’ Bread Knife Mishap
While en route to South Africa for the 1998-99 tour, West Indies batter Jimmy Adams experienced a bizarre accident. While eating his in-flight meal, he severely cut himself with a bread knife, severing two tendons. A visit to the hospital marked his arrival in South Africa, and he was ruled out of the series, which West Indies eventually lost 5-0.
Jason Roy’s Bat-Throwing Incident
England opener Jason Roy found himself in an unusual predicament during a match against Hampshire in 2018. After being dismissed, he threw his bat in a fit of frustration, leading to a facial injury as the bat rebounded and struck him.
Mitchell Marsh and Ben Stokes’ Locker and Wall Punching
Cricket is an emotional sport, and more than often, players let their emotions get the best of them. In 2014, Ben Stokes was ruled out of the T20 World Cup when he broke his hand after punching a locker. This action of his was purely the result of his unmanaged emotions.
A similar incident happened to Mitchell Marsh five years later. After being dismissed against Tasmania, he took his frustration out on a wall in the WACA changing rooms. In response to the incident, Australia coach Justin Langer’s comment to Marsh was straightforward: “He just told me I’m an idiot.”
Chris Lewis’ Sunstroke
While on tour in the Caribbean during the 1993-94 season, Chris Lewis shaved his head. However, he neglected to wear a hat during training, leading to an unfortunate case of sunstroke. This condition ruled him out of a tour match and earned him the nickname “the prat without a hat” from the Sun newspaper.
Conclusion
From unusual golfing injuries to dog bites, avocado accidents, and even sunstroke, these stories of cricketing mishaps remind us that damage in the sport can occur in the most unexpected and unconventional ways, making cricket all the more fascinating.
When you look back on these incidents, it’s clear that cricket is not only about runs, wickets, and athleticism but also about the unpredictable and often humorous aspects of the game that make it a sport like no other.
Good read. Interesting piece
Thankyou!