5 bravest players in cricket history

#3 Graeme Smith bats with a broken hand

Graeme Smith

The Sydney test between Australia and South Africa will always be remembered for being witness to one of the most heroic feats in the history of cricket.

A brutal delivery by Michell Johnson left Graeme Smith with a broken hand, forcing him to retire hurt at 30. On the final day of the game, the visitors needed to survive 8.2 overs with one wicket in hand. To a thunderous ovation, Graeme Smith made his way to the ground and joined South-African pacer Makhaya Ntini, with the sole aim of managing to fend off the Australian bowlers for the remaining overs and prevent a loss.

To everyone's surprise, Smith and Ntini managed to do the same for a good six overs. With only two overs left, the stadium watched in suspense and awe, as Johnson finally caught the bails and sent Smith packing. Although he lost the game that day, Smith went on to earn the respect of the entire cricket community for his bravery in the field.