National squad cricketer George O'Brien Jr. was seriously injured Monday evening after he was attacked by a man wielding a machete.

The 25-year-old is considered to be a crucial member of St. George's cricket team.

He was said to be in stable condition yesterday at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital after he was hit in his right upper arm.

The Royal Gazette understands the wound went down to the bone and required surgery. Neighbours yesterday told this newspaper they heard shouting on Mount Road in St. David's around 8.30 p.m. Monday.

A witness said an argument began after Mr. O'Brien told a man, who was allegedly hassling a younger male, to put away the machete.

Another witness said: "I heard them yelling at each other, George and the other guy, but there are often people yelling on this road.

"I didn't really pay attention and then I saw George run past my house, he was bleeding and yelling 'look what you did to my arm, look what you did to my arm'.

"I don't know if he felt it at first because he grabbed a stick, but then the other guy started throwing rocks at him."

The witness said Mr. O'Brien ran to a neighbour's home before being rushed to the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre for treatment. He was then taken to hospital.

Mr. O'Brien declined to be interviewed. Yesterday, a Police spokesman said: 'It appears that the victim, a 25-year-old St. George's man, was involved in an argument with another man who assaulted him with a bladed article.

"As a result the victim sustained a laceration to his arm. The suspect is apparently known to the victim.

"The 25-year-old St. George's man was taken to the Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre for treatment before being taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Inquiries into this incident are underway."

No arrests had been made by press time last night.

To find out about how Mr. O'Brien's injury will impact the St. George's Cup Match team turn to page 17.