David Warner "Shaken Up" After Hitting Net Bowler On Head In World Cup Practice

Aaron Finch has revealed that Australia opener David Warner was left shaken after the left-hander hit a net bowler on the head with a powerful drive during the team's training session ahead of the World Cup 2019 clash against India. According to reports, David Warner was striking the ball well in the nets session but one of his drives was hit too well which felled the paceman with the Australian practice halted. David Warner look a bit distraught and rushed to the aid of the bowler, who lay flat on the practice pitch as his visibly concerned team-mates stopped their session.

The Australian physio attended to the bowler, identified as Jaykishan Plaha, who was taken off on a stretcher to a medical room at the ground.

One of Plaha's fellow net bowlers told AFP the injured player was conscious and the session subsequently resumed.

The Aaron Finch-led team, who have won both of their games at the World Cup 2019, are looking to defend their crown.

Finch said Warner was "shaken up" by the incident.

"Dave is obviously pretty shaken up. The young guy (Plaha) is in pretty good spirits at the moment. He has obviously been taken to the hospital to be assessed that everything is OK," said Finch

"It was a pretty decent hit, so hopefully everything goes well for the youngster and he is up and running shortly."

On the issue of more protection on grounds around the world for net bowlers, Finch said, "It's quite rare that somebody gets hit, it's really unfortunate. Our own medical staff and the paramedics on the ground did a great job."

Australian cricket was plunged into mourning in 2014 when Test batsman Phillip Hughes died after being hit on the base of the skull during a domestic match.

Warner was playing in that match, between New South Wales and South Australia.

International Cricket Council (ICC) venue manager Michael Gibson told reporters: "The net bowler has been taken to hospital as a precautionary measure because it was a head injury.

"He was conscious and smiling as he was taken off."

(With AFP Inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Australia Cricket Team India Cricket Team David Warner Aaron Finch World Cup 2019 India vs Australia, Match 14 Cricket