Horror injuries on the pitch

Cricket authorities have sought to minimise injuries by making protective equipment mandatory for some age groups. Despite the improvements in protective wear, however, the risks to batsmen remain.

1932- 33: In the infamous Bodyline Series, Australian wicketkeeper Bert Oldfield fractured his skull when hit by a ball from English fast bowler Harold Larwood.

1959: Pakistan’s Abdul Aziz was struck on the chest by a ball, collapsed and never regained consciousness. He died on the way to the hospital, aged 17.

In the 1960s: Indian captain Nari Contractor was hit in the head by a ball from West Indian paceman Charlie Griffith. He was unconscious for six days and needed a blood transfusion to survive.

1975: New Zealander Ewen Chatfield swallowed his tongue and stopped breathing after being hit on the temple by English fast bowler Peter Lever during a test match. His life was saved by English physio Bernard Thomas, who sprinted onto the field and administered CPR. 1977: Bob Willis fractured Rick McCosker’s jaw in the Centenary test. 1986: Mike Gatting’s nose was smashed by Malcolm Marshall. 1998: India’s Raman Lamba died after being struck in the temple by a cricket ball hit by a Bangladesh batsman. He was 38.

2012: South African wicketkeeper Mark Boucher lost the lens, iris and pupil in his left eye after a being hit by a bail that flew back off the top of the wicket.