Cricketers who played heroic knocks through injury before Pant
Rishabh Pant’s brave display of grit and determination has once again highlighted the importance of resilience in the game of cricket. Despite suffering a serious foot injury, Pant batted on day two of the Old Trafford Test, inspiring his teammates and fans alike. However, Pant’s efforts are not unique in cricket history. There have been several instances where cricketers have defied injury to play heroic knocks, leaving a lasting impact on the game. In this article, we’ll take a look at seven such cricketers who played through injury, including Pant’s predecessor, Graeme Smith.
Graeme Smith’s 2009 Sydney effort – batting with a broken hand to nearly secure a draw
One of the most iconic instances of a cricketer playing through injury is Graeme Smith’s 2009 Sydney effort. In a Test match against Australia, Smith suffered a broken hand during the first innings, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 55 runs to nearly secure a draw for South Africa. Smith’s determination and courage in the face of adversity earned him widespread praise, and his innings will always be remembered as one of the most heroic in cricket history.
Nathan Lyon’s 2023 Ashes effort – batting with a torn calf to score 13 at number 11
Another recent example of a cricketer playing through injury is Nathan Lyon’s 2023 Ashes effort. During a Test match against England, Lyon suffered a torn calf, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted at number 11, scoring 13 runs to help Australia secure a 43-run win. Lyon’s innings was marked by his bravery and determination, and it will always be remembered as one of the most courageous in recent cricket history.
Sunil Gavaskar’s 1983 Kolkata Test effort – batting with a broken arm to score 135
Sunil Gavaskar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history, and his 1983 Kolkata Test effort is a testament to his bravery and determination. During a Test match against Pakistan, Gavaskar suffered a broken arm, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 135 runs to help India secure a draw. Gavaskar’s innings was marked by his courage and resilience, and it will always be remembered as one of the most iconic in cricket history.
Virender Sehwag’s 2001 Colombo Test effort – batting with a fractured finger to score 108
Virender Sehwag is known for his aggressive batting style, but his 2001 Colombo Test effort is a testament to his bravery and determination. During a Test match against Sri Lanka, Sehwag suffered a fractured finger, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 108 runs to help India secure a draw. Sehwag’s innings was marked by his courage and resilience, and it will always be remembered as one of the most heroic in cricket history.
Dmitri Mascarenhas’ 2008 Cardiff Test effort – batting with a broken collarbone to score 33
Dmitri Mascarenhas is a lesser-known cricketer, but his 2008 Cardiff Test effort is a testament to his bravery and determination. During a Test match against England, Mascarenhas suffered a broken collarbone, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 33 runs to help England secure a draw. Mascarenhas’ innings was marked by his courage and resilience, and it will always be remembered as one of the most heroic in cricket history.
Mahela Jayawardene’s 2007 Galle Test effort – batting with a fractured thumb to score 63
Mahela Jayawardene is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in Sri Lankan cricket history, and his 2007 Galle Test effort is a testament to his bravery and determination. During a Test match against Pakistan, Jayawardene suffered a fractured thumb, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 63 runs to help Sri Lanka secure a draw. Jayawardene’s innings was marked by his courage and resilience, and it will always be remembered as one of the most heroic in cricket history.
Kumar Sangakkara’s 2009 Galle Test effort – batting with a broken finger to score 92
Kumar Sangakkara is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen in Sri Lankan cricket history, and his 2009 Galle Test effort is a testament to his bravery and determination. During a Test match against Pakistan, Sangakkara suffered a broken finger, but he refused to give up. Despite his injury, he batted on, scoring 92 runs to help Sri Lanka secure a draw. Sangakkara’s innings was marked by his courage and resilience, and it will always be remembered as one of the most heroic in cricket history.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s brave display of grit and determination has once again highlighted the importance of resilience in the game of cricket. However, Pant’s efforts are not unique in cricket history. There have been several instances where cricketers have defied injury to play heroic knocks, leaving a lasting impact on the game. From Graeme Smith’s 2009 Sydney effort to Nathan Lyon’s 2023 Ashes effort, these cricketers have shown that even in the face of adversity, they can rise to the occasion and play some of the most heroic innings in cricket history.
