Vermeulen: It could have been worse for me

Former Zimbabwe batsman Mark Vermeulen has spoken about how lucky he is to still be alive after being felled three times on the head during his cricketing career.
Reflecting on the death of Australia batsman Phillip Hughes who died in hospital after being struck by a bouncer, Vermeulen recalls how he recovered from two stress fractures to his skull.
Vermeulen told BBC Sport:"It could have been a lot worse for me, not only the injuries, but the outcome of all the other events, Phillip Hughes could have been me 10 years ago."
Vermeulen was struck three times on the head playing cricket. First in the Zimbabwe under 19 side, then while practising for the World Cup which Zimbabwe co-hosted with South Africa in 2003.
But probably the most sickening blow came when playing for Zimbabwe in an ODI against India on 20 January 2004 in Brisbane. He was struck by an Irfan Pathan bouncer trying to play a hook shot.
He recalls: "I thought I was fine. I thought I would take off my helmet and carry on batting.
"It was only when I started walking off the field, then half-an-hour later, that I felt the pain. When I was in the ambulance I thought that surely this has got to be it – I can't keep going through this.
"The doctor who did the operation on me said I shouldn't really play cricket again because if I got hit, it could be fatal."
When Vermeulen first got the news that Hughes was in hospital, he thought the left-handed batsman would recover. It also came as reminder to be thankful for what he has.
"When I first heard that he'd been hit, I thought he would be OK, maybe because of my own experiences. Hearing that he had passed away was quite a shock.
"It's a reminder for me to count my lucky stars, to be grateful for each day of life that I have to enjoy."
Vermeulen has retired form International cricket and currently resides in South Africa.
Latest
-
News
Chris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
News
England players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
News
Nat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
News
Joe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.