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Warner shaken after net bowler hit in head

3 minute read

Australia's preparations for their World Cup clash with India were delayed after a local net bowler was struck in the head by a drive from David Warner.

DAVID WARNER of Winnipeg Hawks runs to the boundary during a Global T20 Canada match against Montreal Tigers at MLC Club in King City, Canada. Picture: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

David Warner was visibly shaken after a local bowler was struck on the head by one of his powerful straight drives, leaving him to be stretchered from a net session at The Oval.

Australia's final training session for Sunday's game against India was stopped fore more than 10 minutes after Warner drove a half-volley back towards the medium pacer on Saturday.

After impact the bowler crumpled to the ground, where he received urgent assistance from Australia's medical staff before being taken away on a medicab.

Warner had to be comforted by assistant coach Ricky Ponting as he checked on the bowler's welfare, and did not immediately resume batting when practice restarted.

ICC officials later confirmed the bowler had been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, but was conscious and smiling as he left the venue.

"Davey was obviously pretty shaken up," Australia's captain Aaron Finch said.

"It was a pretty decent hit to the head. Hopefully everything keeps going well for the youngster and he's back up and running shortly. It was tough to watch."

Warner eventually returned to the nets and completed his session.

England quick James Anderson has previously suggested bowlers could wear helmets for their safety, as batsmen practice their attacking shots.

"That could be a decent idea. It's a personal preference for net bowlers," Finch said.

"It's quite rare somebody gets hit. It's very unfortunate. The medical staff and paramedics at the ground did a great job in being there very quickly to assess and make sure all the right protocols and processes were put in place."