The West Indies were building a lead on Day Three in Brisbane, after Australia declared on 289-9 the previous evening. After losing two wickets in the first session and Alick Athanaze just after the dinner break, Hodge built a sturdy partnership with Justin Greaves, and the score climbed to 144-4.

When Nathan Lyon came on to bowl his 13th over, however, Hodge made an error. Lyon sent down a loopy delivery and dragged his length back to the right-hander. Hodge attempted to leave the ball, which looked to be straightening past off stump, but got himself in a tangle. He brought his front leg back so he was standing square on at the crease and lifted his bat high out of harm’s way over his head. But, instead of moving his body out of the way of the ball, if possible he moved it more into its path.

The pink ball bounced higher than Hodge would’ve expected off the surface, and ended up reaching him just below waist height. As it made contact with his groin area, Hodge let out an audible groan of pain. He doubled over and staggered away from the crease, using his bat for support before sinking to his knees.

Once the pain subsided, however, Hodge was fine to carry on and hit Lyon’s next ball for four through the leg side. However, he was out of the last ball of the over from a sharp chance taken by Travis Head to leave the West Indies 148-5.

Watch: Kavem Hodge hit in the groin attempting to leave below

Maybe there are THREE types of leaves:

The good, the bad and this one 💀 #AUSvWI pic.twitter.com/gw4FsTuQ1J

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 27, 2024