In a moment of heartwarming wonder, West Australian all-rounder Hilton Cartwright retired mid-innings during their Sheffield Shield encounter against Tasmania to attend the unexpected birth of his second child.
Cartwright was batting on an unbeatedn 52* when he notified that he was retiring from his innings during the tea break on Day 2 of the Test.
It is understood that the right-hander, who had previously played for Australia in the international stage as well, rushed to the hospital where his wife was admitted.
Cartwright was then said to have returned to WACA Ground in Perth again after ensuring the safety and well-being of his wife and newborn.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Cartwright explained that the Sheffield Shield match was not expected to align with the birth of their child.
“My wife Tameka was only just 37 weeks pregnant so this match against Tassie was never meant to be affected by the birth of our second child which is why I chose to play,” Cartwright said.
“She experienced some complications over the weekend which led to a call from the obstetrician yesterday once I had already got to the ground. She recommended that the best course of action for the safety of mum and baby was to be induced that afternoon.
“Tasmania was made aware of this situation during the innings break.
“Between myself, the coaches and (West Australian captain) Sam (Whiteman), we had a plan in place surrounding the time I needed to leave the ground at the tea break in the hope of returning to the crease at a later point in the innings.”
WA officials were still unsure on Monday night if Cartwright would return on Tuesday, and if Tasmania and the match referee would allow him to resume his innings.
But the batter returned to action again after teammate Cooper Connolly was dismissed.
Cartwright was then removed from the crease by Riley Meredith, as the batter departed from the crease for 65 runs.
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