England bowler Brydon Carse has said he considered having his toe amputated to overcome injury problems during the winter.
The strain of bowling meant Carse, 29, developed severe cuts on the second toe of his left foot which became infected.
It hampered him during England's white-ball tour of India at the start of the year and eventually led to him being ruled out of the Champions Trophy and the following three months.
"At one stage I was going to bed thinking 'I think I could actually do this - I think I could get rid of my second toe', but then the medical staff said you need it for balance so that was quickly ruled out," Durham's Carse said.
"I try not mention the toe in the changing room any more because people are sick of it."
Carse, who has become a key player for England over the winter, sustained the injury through the repeated impact of his front foot hitting the crease while bowling.
It was thought he might need plastic surgery on the issue after he left the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but it was eventually decided it would be best served by extended rest.
Foot injuries are not uncommon with fast bowlers and many cut holes in their boots to prevent issues, though that is usually to protect the big toe.
The strain of bowling meant Carse, 29, developed severe cuts on the second toe of his left foot which became infected.
It hampered him during England's white-ball tour of India at the start of the year and eventually led to him being ruled out of the Champions Trophy and the following three months.
"At one stage I was going to bed thinking 'I think I could actually do this - I think I could get rid of my second toe', but then the medical staff said you need it for balance so that was quickly ruled out," Durham's Carse said.
"I try not mention the toe in the changing room any more because people are sick of it."
Carse, who has become a key player for England over the winter, sustained the injury through the repeated impact of his front foot hitting the crease while bowling.
It was thought he might need plastic surgery on the issue after he left the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, but it was eventually decided it would be best served by extended rest.
Foot injuries are not uncommon with fast bowlers and many cut holes in their boots to prevent issues, though that is usually to protect the big toe.
