Two young South African cricketers – Justin Watson, and Marques Ackerman – were attacked by thugs in Yorkshire on July 27, leaving one of the cricketers with career-threatening injuries.
Watson, aged 20 suffered a fractured jaw while Ackerman, aged 22, was worse off as he was beaten unconscious and suffered severe concussions. He is currently undergoing treatment and out of danger. The injury ruled both of them out from the rest of the season.
According to the Oldham Times, Watson was punched several times on his face by a group of seven unidentified men, resulting in two fractures on his jaw that may end his cricketing career. A plate needs to be inserted in his jaw, for which, he will be transferred to a special facial unit at North Manchester General where he will undergo a surgery.
The incident took place when the cricketers were returning from home from a nightclub. The reason for the attack is, however, unknown.
The duo’s club in England – Mark Lane – was taken aback by the shocking news of the attack on their foreign recruits. The captain and acting chairman of Mark Lane club Steve Whiston said, “The lads have loved being here and have had a great experience during their time here. Unfortunately, that’s been destroyed by some absolute idiots,” he said.
“Justin was here to hopefully be signed by a county and earn a deal. His season is over and he’s going to miss out on his trials. He’s sad and very disappointed. Marques is very upset. He’s been to the UK twice before with the under 19s and when he was 16 and he’s never experienced anything like this before,” he added.