The WTC final is turning out to be a great match. South Africa are chasing 282 and had a tough start but are now picking up. One key player for South Africa is Temba Bavuma. He scored 36 in the first innings and the team really needs him to stay for a bit. Unfortunately he’s been struggling with a hamstring since the 22nd over and can’t move much. But he’s not letting the pain take him out of the game.
Bavuma’s effort reminds us of other players who played through the pain for their teams. Here are a few.
1. Hanuma Vihari and Ravi Ashwin
During the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the SCG Test was a thriller. With Jadeja injured, Hanuma Vihari and Ravi Ashwin batted to save the match for India. Both were injured—Vihari with a hamstring and Ashwin with a back problem—but they didn’t back down. India drew that match and went on to win the series.
2. Anil Kumble
In a 2002 Test against West Indies, Kumble took a bouncer to the jaw and broke it. Most thought he’d be out of the game but he came back with a bandage to bowl 14 overs in the final innings and got Brian Lara.
3. Shikhar Dhawan
During the 2019 World Cup, Dhawan scored 117 against Australia but injured his thumb early on. He didn’t let the pain stop him and batted through, helped India win the match and then was ruled out of the tournament.
4. Glenn Maxwell
In the 2023 World Cup, Maxwell played an epic innings while battling a hamstring injury. Chasing 292, Australia were in trouble at 91 for 7 but he kept swinging the bat and even fell down a few times. He scored a double century to get his team back in the game.
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5. Graeme Smith
Smith is known for his never give up attitude. In the 2009 SCG Test, he batted with a broken hand. The series was already won by the Proteas but he insisted on batting at number 11. He batted till the end and got out with 11 balls left. South Africa lost that game but Smith’s courage will be etched in cricket history forever.
