5 Instances when cricketers came out to bat through deadly injuries

Often referred to as a gentleman's game, cricket has witnessed innumerable feats of bravery that transcend physical boundaries. Though technique is rarely overshadowed by sheer grit, skill, and strategy frequently take center stage.

A batter stepping out despite serious injuries is one of the sport's most amazing scenes; they are enduring suffering for the sake of their team. These incidents demonstrate the unwavering passion that characterizes the heart of a true cricketer and go beyond runs and records. Here are five such instances when cricketers braved pain to carry out their duties.

Here are 5 instances when cricketers came out to bat through deadly injuries:

1. Rishabh Pant—Fractured foot

Chris Woakes hit Rishabh Pant flush on the foot with a scorching yorker during the 2025 Manchester Test match against England, causing his right foot to swell and bleed. With his foot carefully wrapped, Pant batted again in India's second innings despite the severe pain and restricted movement.

He scored a fifty and helped India rally from a precarious position in the first innings with a valiant counterattack that unsettled England's bowlers. Pant once again demonstrated his big-match mentality with his daring approach and ability to play despite injuries, which were crucial in changing the course of the Test.

2. Chris Woakes—separated shoulder

Chris Woakes sustained a separated (dislocated) shoulder during the fifth and final Test match at the Oval in the 2025 Test series against India when diving in the field. He shocked everyone by going out to bat in the second inning with his shoulder put in a sling and his movement limited beneath a sweater, despite the excruciating injury.

Despite not facing a single ball from the Indian bowlers, Woakes' decision to bat despite his injury demonstrated incredible resolve as England attempted to win the Test with a few runs remaining. It was generally praised that he was prepared to bat under such physical pressure. It was a tough demonstration of perseverance in a demanding competition.

3. Malcolm Marshall—broken thumb

Malcolm Marshall had a fractured thumb while fielding against England in the Headingley Test in 1984. He walked out to bat with a plastered thumb, despite being obviously in pain, and helped Larry Gomes to his century in a vital partnership. Marshall contributed crucial runs to the team by batting one-handed.

The true surprise, however, was with the ball; Marshall bowled despite his injuries and thrashed England in their second innings with figures of 7/53. His endeavour, which stands as one of the most courageous in West Indies cricket history, demonstrated extraordinary tenacity.

4. Graeme Smith—Fractured finger

South African captain Graeme Smith retired injured after suffering a broken left hand and a severely damaged right elbow in the first innings of the third Test match in Sydney. Few anticipated his return after he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

On the last day, however, Smith bravely came out to bat at No. 11 with his team facing defeat. He wore the whites of Jacques Kallis, another player's gloves, and a lot of guts. In an attempt to rescue the match, he was hit with 17 balls of hostile bowling from Mitchell Johnson and company. Despite his eventual dismissal, his leadership and perseverance won him praise from all around the world.

5. Rick McCosker- Broken jaw

In the first innings of the 1977 Centenary Test, Australia's Rick McCosker had a terrible injury when he was bounced by England's Bob Willis, breaking his jaw. McCosker surprised everyone by coming back in the second inning when most thought his game was over.

 He courageously went out to bat at No. 10 with his head bandaged and his jaw wired shut. He scored a gritty 25 with Rod Marsh (110), assisting Australia in creating a target that England could defend. One of the most memorable incidents in Australian cricket history was his bravery.

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