It is a real curse when you get out for a single-digit score.
It is even worse when a single digit keeps you out.
A badly sprained finger forced Otago captain Craig Cumming to miss his side's one-day match against Auckland in Oamaru yesterday.
The 35-year-old batsman injured his ring finger while fielding during his side's match against Northern Districts in Invercargill on Wednesday.
Despite medical advice suggesting his finger could take between four and six weeks to come right, Otago took a punt and named him in the 12.
But the former international was unable to take his place and Sean Eathorne was whistled up as a late replacement.
"Initially, I thought I might have torn some ligaments," Cumming said.
"But, while I may have still done that, it seems to be better than the first diagnosis of four to six week.
"I thought I had a chance of playing [yesterday] but batting is still a problem with a bit of jarring and soreness still. Fingers crossed, I'll be right for the next game," he added without any noticeable smirk.
"I can grip the bat, it is just there is a bit of jarring when the ball hits it. Once the swelling goes down a little bit, then it is just a matter of managing the pain."
Otago's next game is against Northern Districts, in Whangarei on Thursday, and Cumming was optimistic about playing.
With vice-captain and Black Caps offspinner Nathan McCullum on national duty, Aaron Redmond was entrusted with the task of leading the side.
