Former cricketer Matthew Hayden injured while surfing off Stradbroke

Former Test cricketer Matthew Hayden says he "dodged a bullet" when he suffered head and neck injuries in a surfing accident off the south-east Queensland coast.

According to Hayden's Instagram posts, the accident happened on Friday while he was surfing with his son, Josh, off Stradbroke Island.

Hayden was left with a fractured C6 and torn C4 and C5 ligaments.

In two separate posts, Hayden said he would be out of action for a few days.

"Ok. Last attention seeking post I promise," Hayden wrote on Sunday night.

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

"Especially Ben & Sue Kelley for the fast diagnosis with MRI, CT scan. Fractured C6, torn C5, C4 ligaments safe to say I truly have dodged a bullet.

"Thank you everyone. On the road to recovery."