Proteas speedster Beuran Hendricks had to get eight stitches above his eye after being hit with a ball in a net session in Sri Lanka.
With the three-match ODI series against their hosts starting tomorrow, the 31-year-old Hendricks explains: “It was day one of the camp and everyone was excited. I finished my bowling stint and decided to help out [the batsmen].
“I threw the ball a little to Dwaine Pretorius and a couple of other guys. We know he hits the ball quite hard and I just threw one a little bit too full and a little bit too wide and it got popped straight back at me at some speed.
“I tried to get my hands in the way and it just clipped the fingers and went straight into the eye.
“Everybody had a little bit of shock, I got tested for concussion, but luckily the ball didn’t hit me too hard and I was cleared from concussion and had to get eight stitches.”
After making his international T20 debut in 2014, Hendricks has only played 19 T20s, eight ODIs and one Test.
But he believes his patience will pay off, saying: “It’s a dream to play for my country – I’m very proud [of being in the squad]. I don’t take anything for granted when I’m at this level.
“What goes on behind the scenes is out of my control, I just make sure I’m prepared well.
“I’ve just got to make sure that I stay patient. It’s a privilege to be here... moving through the years it has been disappointing [not to play that often].
“But if you have the right people in your corner, stay positive and focused at this level.
“And that’s why I appreciate the coaches when it comes to it – they do tell you where you stand, it’s not a situation where they threw me away.
“I just want to make sure that I am enhancing my skills and making sure I’m ready for whatever comes and give my everything.”
Even with his blou oog, left-arm quickie Hendricks will be looking to crack the nod for the 11.30am clash tomorrow.