Published: Sep 14, 2015, 12:27 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 14, 2015, 04:34 PM (IST)
England captain Eoin Morgan was struck on the head by a bouncer and took no further part after the incident in Sunday’s fifth and final One-Day International (ODI) against Australia at Old Trafford. The left-hander was hit by a short ball from Australia left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc in the seventh over of the match having scored one run and faced seven deliveries. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Morgan, 29, is “being treated for concussion and will take no further part in the game”. Australia’s players immediately surrounded Dublin-born Morgan after he received the blow and following treatment by the England medical staff on the pitch the 29-year-old climbed to his feet and made his way back to the dressing room. Nottinghamshire batsman James Taylor has taken over captaincy duties in Morgan’s absence. SCORECARD: England vs Australia, 5th ODI at Old Trafford
Steven Smith, the Australian captain said that his team was shaken by the incident. Morgan received treatment from the England medical staff on the pitch the 29-year-old groggily made his way back to the dressing room. “I think there were a couple of guys who were shaken up. Starcy in particular,” Smith said, following his side’s eight-wicket win over England which sealed a 3-2 series victory. “Obviously it was a tough summer back home losing a close mate. It’s always nasty when you get a glance like that. So there were a few guys shaken up and I guess hopefully Eoin’s ok. I don’t think anyone ever means to do anything like that. It’s part of the game bowling bouncers and stuff like that I think you just have to get back on the ship as quickly as possible. You still have a job to do in the middle and take it out of your mind as quickly as possible, but you never like to see anyone hit like that for sure.” UPDATES: England vs Australia, 5th ODI at Old Trafford
England coach Trevor Bayliss confirmed that Morgan felt dazed after the incident and that medical staff would monitor him closely over the next 24 hours “Eoin’s alright. He’s got a bit of lump on his head and a bit of headache but he’s ok, and up and about now and having a chat so he’s fine,” Bayliss said. “I think when anyone gets hit its anxious moment. I think the fact he walked off the field was a good sign. He was a bit dizzy for a while, and took an hour or so for him to come good. I’m sure the medical staff will keep a close eye on him,” he added.
With inputs from AFP.
