Melbourne Renegades captain Nic Maddinson couldn’t have started the year 2023 on a worse note. For the eight balls that Maddinson was on the field during a Big Bash League 2022-23 league match against Perth Scorchers, the 31-year old player faltered as a batter and fielder to eventually be ruled out of the match.
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Having won the toss and opted to bat at the Docklands Stadium, Maddinson was the first batter to be dismissed in the match. Playing only his first ball, Maddinson looked to pull a Jason Behrendorff (1/17) delivery only to inside-edge the ball to visiting wicket-keeper Josh Inglis on the sixth delivery of the match.
Subsequently, Maddinson’s decision at the toss was followed by an overall substandard batting performance witnessing Renegades to score 155/6 in 20 overs.
Nic Maddinson injury
Fielding at mid-off, Maddinson wasn’t able to prevent Perth opening batters Faf du Plessis (39) and Adam Lyth (2) from running quick singles in the first over.
However, the most tragic incident of Maddinson’s day happened on the seventh delivery of the second innings when he twisted his knee to be immediately seen withering in excessive pain.
Having run a bit towards his right to collect the ball, Maddinson did his knee while making a swivel to return the ball. Maddinson, who couldn’t even get up on his own, had no option than to receive medical attention before being carried away on a vehicle.
It was sometime after the powerplay that it was confirmed by Renegades’ management that their skipper won’t be taking any further part in the match. Former captain Aaron Finch led Renegades in Maddinson’s absence for the remainder of the match.
Oh no. Nic Maddinson has gone down clutching his knee.
Hoping it’s not as bad as it looks… 😞 pic.twitter.com/DOkA8hmX7x
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) January 1, 2023
With the home team failing to defend 156 runs, Renegades have started to touch familiar grounds on the back of losing their fourth consecutive match. The development has seen them giving away a significant advantage gained after three wins in a row to rarely kick-start a BBL campaign on a high note.
UPDATE: Nic Maddinson has been ruled out of the ongoing summer season after scans have confirmed an ACL injury.