Matthew Hayden injured in surfing accident

Most reports mentioned injuries to the neck and the face, while a few also suggested that Hayden had hurt his spine, but he appeared in fine spirits when sharing the news on social media, saying he had ‘dodged a bullet’.

According to the social media posts put out by the champion opening batsman, who scored 8625 runs in 103 Tests and 6133 runs in 161 one-day internationals, he was out holidaying with his family in Stradbroke Island, near Brisbane.

“Game over for a few days,” the 46-year-old wrote first, before sharing photographs of himself with a neck brace in place and nasty-looking abrasions on his forehead.

The later post started went: “Ok. Last attention seeking post I promise. Just wanted to say a big thank you to all our mates on Straddie who have been so supportive. Especially Ben & Sue Kelley for the fast diagnosis with MRI, CT scan. Fractured C6, torn C5, C4 ligaments safe to say I truly have dodged a bullet.

“Thank you everyone. On the road to recovery.”

Hayden, one of Australia’s greatest openers, won the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2003 and 2007.