From Maxwell to Kumble – When the injured stood up and stole the show

Glenn Maxwell, suffering from a back issue and cramps was facing difficulty while walking when he came to play when Australia had already lost seven wickets. He scored 201 runs not out, along with Pat Cummins to help Australia clinch the win against Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup.

Anil Kumble, one of India’s all-time greats, bowled for India against West Indies in a test with a broken jaw in 2002. Kumble was hit with a bouncer by Merv Dillon while he was batting. Despite spitting out blood, Kumble continued to bat and even came to bowl with a bandaged face and even managed to dismiss Brian Lara.

South Africa’s Graeme Smith broke his left hand after a delivery from Mitchell Johnson hit him. He was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. During the second innings, Smith surprised everyone when he walked out to bat at number 10. Despite a broken hand, he managed to play for 17 balls, before being dismissed by Johnson.

New Zealand’s Ross Taylor, who suffered a thigh injury during an ODI match against England continued to play the game as the team had a huge target of 335 runs to chase. He managed to help the team win after scoring an unbeaten 181 runs, hitting 17 fours and six sixes.

During the 2017-18 Ashes, Joe Root, who was suffering from a gastroenteritis bug, having gone through severe dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea, Root was rushed to the hospital while he was batting at 42 runs. He walked in a day later, after Moeen Ali was dismissed, managing to score 83 runs and taking England’s score to 364 runs. While England lost the match, Root put up a brave fight.

India’s little master, Sachin Tendulkar played an inspiring innings against Pakistan in 1999 in Chennai, scoring 136 runs despite suffering from a severe back injury. While India lost the match by a mere 12 runs, Tendulkar’s attempt to help the country win is one for the books.

In 1984, Malcolm Marshall showcased a lot of courage when he played with a broken thumb, forcing him to bat and bowl with one hand. Marshall suffered a double fracture to his left thumb, but this did not stop him from taking seven wickets. He also scored a one-handed boundary, after walking in to bat, surprising everyone.