There’s a familiar scene in cricket: a batter crumpled on the pitch, clutching their leg, trainers flying as the bat clatters away. The worried face of the physio, the anxious hush of the crowd, and then the dreaded term rolls out – “absent hurt.”
But what exactly does “absent hurt” in cricket mean? Is it different from “retired hurt”? How does it affect the game? This blog dives into the realm of the absent hurt, shedding light on this impactful term.
Understanding the Jargon:
- Retired hurt: When a player gets injured while batting and decides to leave the field before facing another delivery, they are declared “retired hurt.” They retain their not-out status and can potentially return later if they recover.
- Absent hurt: This term applies when a player is unable to bat at all due to an injury sustained before or during the match, even before their turn arrives.
The Implications of Being Absent Hurt:
- Impact on the scorecard: An absent hurt batter is not considered “out” but is treated as a wicket lost for their team. Their score remains at 0 for statistical purposes.
- Reduced playing personnel: The injured player’s absence reduces their team to 10 men, potentially affecting batting depth and tactical options.
- Substitute player: Since 2022, teams can field a substitute for an absent hurt player (bowling and fielding only). This provides some flexibility in managing the reduced numbers.
Famous Instances of Absent Hurt:
- The 1996 World Cup final saw Sachin Tendulkar retiring hurt due to a back injury, leaving India one batsman short in their crucial chase against Sri Lanka.
- In 2019, Australia’s hopes were dashed when Steve Smith suffered a concussion from a Jofra Archer bouncer, rendering him absent hurt in the Ashes Test.
- In Recently test series of IND vs SA, Temba Bavuma absent hurt due of fitness issue.
Beyond the Stats:
The term “absent hurt” goes beyond technicalities. It represents the human element of the game, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most skilled athletes. It’s a reminder that cricket, like life, can be unpredictable and fragile.
So, the next time you hear “absent hurt” announced, remember its deeper meaning. It’s not just a statistic, but a glimpse into the challenges and uncertainties that players face on the field, adding another layer to the drama and intrigue of this beloved sport.