• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Watch Roelof Van Der Merwe Dislocates Finger And Gets It Put Back In Place Mid Match

[WATCH] Roelof van der Merwe Dislocates Finger and Gets it Put Back in Place Mid-Match

image-lj44xqycvan der Merwe with a dislocated finger [Twitter]

Dutch-South African all-rounder, Roelof van der Merwe, endured a dislocated finger during the T20 Blast clash between Somerset and Essex in Leicester on Monday. However, despite the setback, the southpaw displayed unbelievable resilience by swiftly having it realigned and returning to the field.

Roelof van der Merwe played on despite finger injury

The incident unfolded during the 16th over of Essex's innings, as the South Africa-born Netherlands bowler delivered a lower full toss that enticed Matt Critchley into a straight drive. In his attempt to intercept the ball, Van der Merwe suffered a debilitating injury, causing his finger to contort in an alarming manner. Fortunately, the affected finger belonged to his non-bowling arm.

Acting swiftly, the 38-year-old all-rounder hastened towards the team physio, who quickly realigned the misshapen digit. Subsequently, Van der Merwe shocked onlookers by resuming his bowling to complete the over. 

The Vitality Blast's official Twitter account shared a video clip of the incident.

“Roelof van der Merwe is an absolute trooper: dislocates his finger brilliantly stopping a ball, gets it put back in place, and sprints back to bowl! (Viewing not advised for the squeamish),” wrote Vitality Blast's Twitter handle.


Meanwhile, the match witnessed Essex post a massive total of 186 runs in 20 overs after having been asked to batting first. After their top-three batters were dismissed for single digits, Robin Das and Paul Walter stitched a staggering 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket.


Das scored a commanding 72 runs from 39 deliveries while Walter contributed with 51 off 27 balls. Matt Henry emerged as the standout performer for Somerset with the ball, scalping three wickets for 24 runs. Jack Brooks and Ben Green also snared two wickets apiece.

In response, Somerset got off to a blistering start courtesy of wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Banton and Will Smeed, who forged a 64-run partnership for the first wicket inside the powerplay. 

Subsequently, Tom Abell and Sean Dickson took charge, combining forces to fashion a 66-run partnership as they steered Somerset to a comprehensive seven-wicket win with 21 balls to spare.