Injuries That Shocked the Cricket World: 9 Careers That Ended Early
Mark Boucher
His illustrious career as one of the greatest wicketkeepers ended abruptly in 2012 when a bail ricocheted into his left eye during a tour match, causing severe globe rupture.
James Taylor
The promising English batsman was forced into immediate retirement at age 26 in 2016 after being diagnosed with a serious, life-threatening heart condition (ARVC).
Craig Kieswetter
A serious eye and facial injury sustained when he was hit by a bouncer during a county match in 2014 led to persistent vision problems, forcing the talented keeper-batsman to retire a year later.
Nathan Bracken
The leading ODI fast bowler for Australia was repeatedly sidelined by chronic and debilitating knee problems, ultimately forcing his retirement in 2011 after several unsuccessful surgeries.
Shane Bond
Known for his blistering pace, the New Zealand quick's career was constantly derailed and ultimately shortened by chronic, recurring stress fractures in his back.
Saba Karim
The Indian wicketkeeper's international career ended suddenly in 2000 after a ball struck his eye, causing severe retinal damage that left him with impaired vision.
Nari Contractor
The former Indian captain's Test career was tragically cut short in 1962 when he suffered a near-fatal skull fracture after being hit by a bouncer in a non-Test match.
David Lawrence
His career was defined by a catastrophic, career-ending kneecap fracture suffered mid-delivery during a Test match in 1992, an injury he could never fully recover from.
Ryan Harris
The highly effective Australian fast bowler's chronic knee issues worsened, forcing him to retire just before the 2015 Ashes after scans revealed a fractured tibia.
