Double blow for Alex Hales as batter proves he can take the pain as Rockets lose

Getting struck in the groin by a cricket ball has got to hurt.

Incredibly, Trent Rockets batter Alex Hales endured that pain twice in as many deliveries in Sunday’s Hundred clash with Oval Invincibles.

The 32-year-old was facing bowler Reece Topley when the ball made contact with his groin and he immediately hit the floor in agony.

Hales was pounding the ground in obvious discomfort but finally managed to shake it off, showing balls of steel to continue.

From Topley’s very next ball, the Nottinghamshire batter managed to repeat the feat.

There was very little sympathy for Hales in the Kia Oval, with footage showing Topley openly laughing, the crowd enjoying the moment and even umpire Nigel Llong stifling laughter.

And Hales’ team-mate Sam Cook also saw the funny side, saying after the match: “I think Alex Hales is still rolling around in the changing room. To get one in that area is bad enough but to get two in a row is tough. He’s talking to us with a high voice!”