Australia's Henriques returns to cricket after jaw injury

Sydney, Sep 13 - Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques made a welcome return to cricket on Sunday, his first match since a sickening collision playing in England that left him unconscious and needing jaw surgery.

New South Wales Blues and Sydney Sixers star Henriques had his jaw broken in three places while teammate Rory Burns escaped relatively unscathed with facial injuries as the two fielders crashed together attempting a catch in a Twenty20 match in June.

The allrounder had his jaw wired shut and required three separate surgeries to repair the damage after he was caught by Burns's knee in the collision, a sports website reported.

Surrey teammate Kevin Pietersen said players were in tears in the team's dressing room after watching the collision. But the Australian made a good comeback, scoring 34 runs.

He also captained NSW City against NSW Country in a 50-over match for the Ivor Ewin Trophy.

"I still have a little bit of vertigo but I don't get it when I'm playing or training, I only get it when I'm trying to sleep or lying down," Henriques said.

"All is okay at training, I'm training at 100 per cent and I'm not holding back and I am definitely not scarred mentally. I wouldn't be facing the quicks as I have been in the nets over the last six weeks (if that was the case). I'm definitely raring to go and can't wait until the start of the season."

The 28-year-old has watched footage of the collision since returning to Australia, adding: "I don't think I ever got hit that hard playing rugby league. It was just one of those things, we both went for the ball and neither of us knew we were there - and that happens.”

(IANS)