From Rishabh Pant's fractured toe to Kumble's broken jaw: Moments when cricketers played through injury and pain

From Rishabh Pant's fractured toe, Graeme Smith's broken hand to Kumble's broken jaw, here are the moments when cricketers played through injury and pain.

Rishabh Pant coming out to bat with a fractured toe. Image | BCCI

Cricketers have always put their team ahead of their bodies. There have been several occasions where they have played through injury and pain to give their teams a chance to win or at least fight for the win.

With Rishabh Pant beating all the odds during the England vs India, 4th test in Manchester, where he came out to bat despite getting his toe fractured, we present you with a list of players who risked all for their team.

Anil Kumble – Broken Jaw vs West Indies (2002)

One of the most iconic acts of bravery, India's legendary spinner Anil Kumble was struck on the jaw by a bouncer from Mervyn Dillon during a Test in Antigua. With his jaw fractured and heavily bandaged, Kumble came back onto the field and bowled 14 overs, dismissing West Indies legend Brian Lara.

Graeme Smith – Broken Hand vs Australia (2009)

South Africa’s skipper Graeme Smith suffered a broken left hand after a deadly Mitchell Johnson delivery bounced high and hit him above the elbow.

With Australia chasing victory in Sydney, Smith shockingly returned to bat at number 11 in the final session, trying to save the match single-handedly, literally with one hand. Though Australia eventually won, Smith was appreciated by even his opponents for his bravery.

Malcolm Marshall – Broken Thumb vs England (1984)

The West Indian great Malcolm Marshall broke his thumb while fielding in a Test against England at Headingley. Despite the fracture, he came out to bat, famously scoring runs one-handed, and then bowled with devastating effect, taking seven wickets and securing a West Indies win.

Rick McCosker – Broken Jaw, Centenary Test (1977)

Australian opener Rick McCosker's jaw was shattered by a Bob Willis bouncer during the Melbourne Centenary Test. With his jaw wired and head bandaged, McCosker bravely returned to bat in the second innings, playing a crucial role in Australia’s victory.

Mohinder Amarnath – Jaw Injury vs West Indies

During India's tour of the West Indies in 1983, Mohinder Amarnath was struck on the face by a Malcolm Marshall delivery, generating much bleeding and loss of teeth.

Refusing to quit, he returned to the pitch to add a vital 80 runs to his total, earning immense respect globally for his grit.

Hanuma Vihari & Ravichandran Ashwin – Tearing Through Injury vs Australia (2021)

During the Sydney Test, Hanuma Vihari (with a torn hamstring) and Ashwin (with severe back pain) batted for hours to secure a draw for India against Australia, defying both bowling and their injuries. They batted for 259 balls and scored 62 runs.

India went on to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Nathan Lyon – Calf Tear, Ashes 2023

Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon tore his calf during the Ashes but came out to bat in the second innings at Lord's, hobbling. Lyon bravely batted in Australia's second innings, adding 15 crucial runs.

Glenn Maxwell – Cramps and Back Issues (2023 World Cup)

Glenn Maxwell faced severe cramps and a back issue, barely able to move, during his double-century against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup. Maxwell batted through pain to produce one of ODI cricket's all-time great knocks, leading Australia to a miraculous win. Eventually, Australia went on to win the 2023 World Cup.

Rishabh Pant – Broken Toe, England tour (2025)

Rishabh Pant, who earlier in his life had defeated death to return to cricket after a devastating car accident, showed his character once again during the England vs India, 4th test in 2025 in Manchester.

Pant was hit by a low full-toss by Chris Woakes and got his toe fractured. Although he had retired hurt on 37 on Day 1, despite the injury returned to bat on Day 2. He went on to add 17 more runs to his total.

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