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Ex-cricketer Hayden hurt in surf incident

3 minute read

Matthew Hayden has "dodged a bullet" after the retired Australian cricketer suffered a spinal fracture and head injury in a surfing incident.

Former Australian Test opener Matthew Hayden admits he's lucky to have survived after suffering head and spinal injuries while surfing on a family holiday in Queensland.

The 46-year-old was surfing with his son Josh off Stradbroke Island on Friday before being hurt in an apparent spill and taken to hospital for scans.

Hayden was left with a fractured C6 and torn C5, C4 ligaments in his neck as well as a bloodied forehead.

"Last attention seeking post, I promise," he wrote in a post online on Sunday night.

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to all our mates on Straddie who have been so supportive.

"Safe to say I truly have dodged a bullet. On the road to recovery."