Hastings baffled by mystery illness

– Australian international John Hastings said his cricket career could be over after struggling with a mystery illness that causes him to cough up blood whenever he bowls.

The 32-year-old all-rounder, who has represented his country in all three formats of the game and was due to play for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League this season, said the condition was getting worse.

“Every time bowl now it’s happens,” he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

“It’s literally just bowling. It’s not running. I can do boxing, weight sessions, rowing, anything like that.

“But as soon as the pressure (of bowling) at the crease at match intensity, when I step it up, literally I burst blood vessels in my lungs and I walk back to my mark and cough up some blood.”