The Day Anil Kumble Bowled with a Broken Jaw
The fourth Test match between India and West Indies was scheduled to play at St John’s Antigua in 2002. West Indies won the toss and decided to field first. Anil Kumble came to crease when India was 5 down for 235. Mervyn Dillon was operating from one end. He opted the age-old technique against the lower order batsman and bowled a fiery bounce. Kumble took his eyes off and missed the line of the ball. It hit him in the jaw. Kumble was sent to hospital for an X-ray and found the jaw was broken and teeth were dislocated. He was due to fly back to Bangalore the following day for surgery.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt was a huge blow for team India because Kumble was the spearhead of the Indian bowling attack. Kumble decided to bowl with a broken jaw the next day. Everyone was surprised because he was in sheer pain and it was impossible to bowl in that condition. Moreover, if he got injured again then the damage would be fatal. Indian physio Andrew Leipus also didn’t approve it. However, Kumble was determined to play. He said, “At least I can now go home with the thought that I tried my best”.
Kumble’s broken jaws were striped heavily so that it won’t fall apart. He bowled 14 consecutive overs and dismissed Brian Lara as well. The courage and determination which he had shown on that day, was one of the most inspirational moments in cricketing History. Later Viv Richards said, “It was one of the bravest things I’ve seen on the field of play,”
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