Here is proof positive that today's highly paid cricketers are a pack of wusses. Ponting breaks a finger and drops out . A Pommie bowler tears a muscle and limps off the field. In 1943 these cricketers( above ) had broken necks and were bashing away at the pill- no protective box, pads, helmet, sunnies, sun block ,chewing gum. The wicket keeper bounced about like an indian rubber ball despite his serious injuries . It is an illustration from a WW11 book about advances in treating fractures and broken bones in Servicemen . Another photo shows plaster encased players crowding a soccer goal ,eager to head the ball , which would be really painful.