Ben Foster sweated blood trying to come up with the world's first eco-friendly cricket box. (cup)
But, while the 23-year-old proved that his biodegradable invention could protect the environment – and his pride and joy – it did nothing for his head.
He was struck in the face by a delivery from fast bowler Charlie Shreck as he put the Eco Box protector through its paces yesterday.
Shreck, Nottinghamshire's player of the year, decided to bang a ball in short so it bounced high... and split the batsman's eyebrow.