England captain Eoin Morgan has retired hurt after being struck on the head by a bouncer during the one-day series decider with Australia at Old Trafford.
Morgan was on one, with England 3-22, when he was hit on the side of the helmet after ducking into a fearsome Mitchell Starc bouncer.
Starc showed immediate concern, helping an unsteady Morgan stay on his feet with the assistance of George Bailey, while Australian skipper Steve Smith signalled to the England dressing room to bring out the medical staff.
Morgan was treated for five minutes on the field by the team's doctor Nick Peirce and the physiotherapist, before he left the field for further assessment.
The decision was applauded by commentators Michael Holding and David Lloyd, who had called for it to be taken out of Morgan's hands.
"He'll try to be brave, but this is the period where the backroom staff have to do their job (and get him off)," Holding said.
"Don't send for a new helmet - send him off."
The incident visibly rattled Starc, who was playing for NSW in the match in which the late Phillip Hughes was struck on the back of the neck last November while batting for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.
Hughes died two days later from the injury.
Australian players came from all over the field to comfort Starc, with Smith having a lengthy chat with his fast bowler.
Starc completed his over, bowling to new batsman Jonny Bairstow, before taking up his position at fine leg, where he was consoled by coach Darren Lehmann.
Between overs, Starc had teammates Matthew Wade, Ashton Agar, Glenn Maxwell and the ever-present Smith offering words of encouragement.
It is not the first time concern has been shown for a batsman struck on the helmet - Australian opener Chris Rogers retired hurt at Lord's complaining of dizziness having been struck on the helmet two days earlier.
The veteran also missed Australia's two Tests against the West Indies before the Ashes with concussion after being hit on the head during a net session.
He has since retired, admitting his long-term health had played a factor in his decision.
Share
