Freak accidents in cricket
England's Luke Fletcher became the latest victim of a freak accident after he suffered a serious blow to his head while bowling to Sam Hain in the ongoing NatWest T20 Blast. Even though, he is lucky to have survived this accident, it raises question about safety of players. In this context, let us have look at some of the career-destroying accidents in cricket.
Nari Contractor hit by a delivery from Charlie Griffith
Former Indian captain Nari Contractor took a blow to his head when West Indies' fast bowler Charlie Griffith bowled a bouncer in a match in 1962. Contractor was unconscious for six days; he required blood transfusion for excessive blood loss and a metal plate had to be inserted in his head. His career was cut short abruptly after that incident.
Raman Lamba - An injury while fielding turns fatal
Indian cricketer Raman Lamba was hit on the temple while fielding at short leg during a match in Dhaka's Premier League. The impact was so severe that the ball bounced off his forehead to the wicket-keeper. He was declared dead three days later, due to brain injuries. Reportedly, he had refused to wear helmet as only three balls were left in the over.
Mark Vermeulen- An injury that cost him his career
In January 2004, Zimbabwe's Mark Vermeulen fractured his skull after a bouncer from India's Irfan Pathan struck him above the right eye between visor and peak of his helmet. He had a surgery, post which his career took a hit. He made an "unsuccessful" comeback in the team after 10 years. Reportedly, the injury has left him with partial epilepsy and other psychological problems.
Darryn Randall
In 2013, South African wicket-keeper batsman Darryn Randall was injured after a ball struck on the head while he was attempting a pull shot in the Border Cricket Board Premier League match. He was immediately taken to the hospital, but unfortunately could not make it.
Death of Australian youngster Phillip Hughes
In November 2014, 25-year old Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes was hit on the neck by a bouncer while batting during a match. The injury caused vertebral artery dissection which led to subarachnoid haemorrhage, for which a major surgery was performed and he was put into induced coma. However, he died two days later in one of the worst injuries in cricket.
