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25th Nov 2017

WATCH: Joe Root’s helmet broken by fierce Mitchell Starc bouncer

Root received treatment after it and was able to stay on

Simon Lloyd

England were up against at the end of day three of the first Ashes test in Brisbane.

Despite being 209-7 at one stage, Australia overtook England’s first innings score of 302, Steve Smith’s impressive century helping them to 328 all out and a lead of 26 runs. Returning to bat, England then lost Alastair Cook and James Vince early, closing the day on 33-2.

Mitchell Starc also rattled Joe Root, the bowler’s short delivery striking the grille of the England captain’s helmet with such force that part of it could be seen breaking away. Despite needing two lots of treatment after it, Root was able to stay on with his wicket intact to the close of play.

https://twitter.com/AlastairRigden/status/934315074478575616

There was immediate concern from Starc and some of his teammates, the incident coming almost three years to the day that Phillip Hughes tragically died after being struck by a bouncer during a game in Sydney.
“It was a nasty blow,” Smith, Australia’s captain, said at the close of play.

“It’s never nice when the ball goes back down the wicket.

“For a bouncer, that’s where you’re supposed to bowl them; it’s never nice to see anyone get hit like that, that’s for sure.”