Two South African cricketers plying their trade in England were attacked by a gang of thugs on Friday, July 27, in a brutal attack that left both men badly injured.

20-year-old amateur player Justin Watson and 22-year-old professional Marques Ackerman, seen batting together above for Shaw Cricket Club, with Marques on strike, were jumped by seven men after leaving the Liquid and Energy nightclub in Oldham.

According to the Oldham Times, the two St Stithians Old Boys never stood a chance:

Justin – who had been hoping to play professionally in England and was on trial at Lancashire with two more trials due at Durham and Northamptonshire – was punched repeatedly in the face and head by three of the gang leaving him with two fractures to his jaw which was also dislocated…

[Captain and acting chairperson of the Shaw Cricket Club Steve Whiston] said Marques [above] was hit from behind and was knocked unconscious as he hit the ground. He is now out of hospital but has suffered severe concussion.

Justin’s injuries are so severe that he is now under the care of a specialist facial unit, where he is due to have surgery to have a plate inserted in his jaw, as well as have it repositioned.

He may also have teeth removed.

Steve Whiston said the club is appalled by what has happened:

“The lads have loved being here and have had a great experience during their time here,” he said.

“Unfortunately that’s been destroyed by some absolute idiots.

“Justin [above] was here to hopefully be signed by a county and earn a deal and to gain life experience playing in another country and gain new skills. He’s a very good, promising player and has done well for us. Now this has happened.

“His season is over and he’s going to miss out on his trials. He’s sad and very disappointed…

“Both lads have had such a big impact on the club, coaching and helping people. They’ve been fantastic. This couldn’t have happened to nicer lads and it’s left everyone shocked and disappointed.”

Perhaps those behind the assault have been reading from the Ben Stokes playbook.

According to local police, one 27-year-old man was arrested, but has since been released under investigation.

England, hey – if they’re not stealing our cricketers, they’re assaulting them

[source:oldhamtimes]