4 most courageous acts in cricket

#2 When Graeme Smith almost saved the match with a broken hand

Graeme Smith batted with a broken hand and an injured elbow

Regarded as the bravest man of South Africa, Graeme Smith got the whole SCG on its feet when he came out to bat at the no.11 position with a broken hand and an injured right elbow in order to save the Test match for his team. Smith had no plans to bat given the magnitude of his injury and had not carried his kit on day 5 of the match. But then came the situation where it was just 8.3 overs left in the day's play and South Africa lost their 9th wicket. Against all odds, Smith decided to take the risk. He borrowed a shirt from Jacques Kallis and went out to bat.

Smith was keen on leaving the deliveries which the Aussies soon realized and started bowling at the stumps. With every ball that Smith defended, the agony was building but he stood on the crease grimacing through the pain.

Smith and Ntini took it ball by ball gradually closing in towards a draw but unfortunately with just 11 deliveries to spare, Smith was out bowled by Mitchell Johnson. South Africa did lose the game but the influential and inspiring captain Graeme Smith won many hearts that day.