In one of the most bizarre incidents, Australian opener D’arcy Short was ruled out of Western Australia’s first match in the JLT Cup after being bitten by his pet dog.
The incident took place earlier this month, according to reports. The bite needed stitches.
“D'Arcy had an unlucky incident two weeks ago while playing with his dog, where his hand got in the way of a dog toy and the bite caused a deep laceration to the palm of his hand,” said Western Australia Cricket Association Sports Science Sports Medicine Manager Nick Jones.
Short will not be able to take part in the match against New South Wales in Perth on Tuesday, 18 September.
“He needed a few stitches and surgical washout but has returned to batting and catching balls this week, and is on track for selection in Round 2."
For the team, it has come as a triple blow, with Marcus Stoinis, the all-rounder, and Matthew Kelly, the medium pacer, also out with injuries. The three have been replaced by Simon Mackin, Will Bosisto and Sam Whiteman.
Short isn't the first player in recent times to miss a match because of a pet. In 2016, Quinton de Kock twisted his knee while walking his Jack Russell terriers and was forced to sit out of the third Test against England while he recovered.