Cartwright gave Australian cricket a scare last week after falling awkwardly on the field in the Melbourne Stars’ season-opening loss to the Perth Scorchers.
He was carried off the field in a neck brace and in a medical taxi, before being quickly cleared of any serious harm in hospital and discharged back to Melbourne. Incredibly, the former Test representative returned to play for the Stars just three days later against the Brisbane Heat, and has yet to miss a game this season.
Speaking for the first time since the injury, Cartwright admitted his mind had been spinning rapidly as he lay on the grass with what was ultimately a case of whiplash.
“It was an extraordinary series of events. It seemed worse because there was no information about it,” Cartwright said. “My neck pain had gone down quite a bit when I was on the sidelines, it was all on one side. Needless to say, the doctors did a great job with the way they handled it.
“But my mind was spinning with the worst-case scenario: being paralyzed or having a stroke. My mind was completely spinning. But luckily I was home that night and I haven’t had any serious repercussions from it.”
After diving for a ball in the outfield, Cartwright’s neck quickly snapped back and he was left on the ground for nearly five minutes while receiving medical attention. Adding to the concern is that the 32-year-old became a father for the second time in October, with another young child also at home.
“As soon as all that pain subsided, I started thinking about all the short-term side effects,” he said. “Will I have to wear a neck brace for a couple of months while we have a newborn? Not only would it be difficult for me, but for my partner as well. Fortunately, everything cleared up and there were no problems. So far so good.” “.
Cartwright said he had been able to classify the incident as a “freak” accident, which helped him not think about it while on the field since then.
His comments came as the Stars suffered a fourth consecutive defeat to start the season, with the Sydney Sixers chasing 195 against them with 11 balls and two wickets to spare at the SCG.
The Stars will now likely need to win at least five of their last six to have any hope of reaching the finals, starting on Saturday night against the Sydney Thunder. Otherwise, they risk missing a fifth consecutive season.
“If we’re honest with ourselves, we want to win all six games to have a chance,” Cartwright said.
