‘We had a plan’: Former Test all-rounder Hilton Cartwright retires mid-innings to attend birth of child

Former Test all-rounder Hilton Cartwright took the remarkable step to retire mid-innings on 52 not out to attend the birth of his second child after complications around the birth arose.

Former Test batter Hilton Cartwright took the remarkable step of retiring mid-innings on Monday to attend the birth of his second child.

West Australian Cartwright was 52 not out at tea on day two batting for his state against Tasmania at the WACA but did not resume his innings after the interval.

At the time, it was unclear whether Cartwright would take further part in the match.

“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.

Hilton Cartwright with his wife Tameka and their first born. Source: Instagram

“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.

Hilton Cartwright was on 52 not-out when he retired. Picture: Getty Images

“Tasmania was made aware of this situation during the innings break.

“Between myself, the coaches and (WA 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 reached 4-219 at stumps on day two (Monday) in response to Tassie’s 277, as Test aspirant Cameron Bancroft fell for eight.

Hilton Cartwright warms up on Tuesday morning, the day after his dramatic mid-innings retirement to attend his second child’s birth. Picture: Getty Images

Cartwright, who played two Tests for Australia in 2017, returned to the ground on Tuesday morning to warm up, and strapped on the pads to complete his innings.

He returned to crease after Cooper Connolly was caught out for 55, with the score at 5-261, and added another 13 runs before he found Bradley Hope off Riley Meredith’s bowling.

His 65 (from 86) helped WA to a total of 332 and a first innings lead.

Originally published as ‘We had a plan’: Former Test all-rounder Hilton Cartwright retires mid-innings to attend birth of child