Video: Eoin Morgan retires hurt after being struck on helmet by a Mitchell Starc bouncer

Australian captain Steven Smith, George Bailey and Mitchell Starc rush in to check on Eoin Morgan

The ongoing 5th ODI between England and Australia is proving to be a nightmare for the English, but there was one moment in the match when both the teams were united in consternation – when Eoin Morgan got hit flush on the back of his helmet by a Mitchell Starc bouncer.

The scary incident happened in the seventh over of the England innings, after the home team had been subject to an early collapse, and captain Eoin Morgan and Ben Stokes were looking to rescue the score from a perilous 22/3.

Morgan, who has been in sparkling form recently, was late in ducking to the fateful fifth ball of the over, and received a painful blow. He dropped his bat immediately, and had Australian players running to converge around him as he showed signs of grogginess. He required support from George Bailey before collapsing on the ground.

A video of the incident:

Morgan took his time but stood up on his feet eventually. After a word with the team physio, he decided to walk off retired hurt. Johnny Bairstow came in to replace him, Australian captain Steven Smith being the first to signal to the pavilion for the batsman to come on.

It is yet to be known whether Morgan has suffered a concussion, but the concern shown by Australian players is understandable. Also, after the second ball of the seventh over, Australia’s slip cordon had complained to the umpires about a reflection from behind the bowler’s arm. Whether this was responsible for Morgan’s injury is not known yet either.

Morgan will not take the field when his team come out to field in the deciding tie, and James Taylor will lead the team as his deputy.

Starc appeared visibly distressed and was consoled by Australian coach Darren Lehmann during the next over while fielding at fine leg.

Eoin Morgan is hit flush on the helmet by Starc. After a consultation, he walks off the field hurt. Bairstow's in. pic.twitter.com/drI24tdZur

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) September 13, 2015

Lehmann checking on Starc at the boundary. The big quick looked pretty harrowed on the field #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/w99MzWK6XP

— FOX SPORTS Cricket (@FOXCricketLive) September 13, 2015

Golly, the cricket. If Eoin Morgan doesn't come back out to bat it would be classy if Smith chose not to bat for Australia's reply, no?

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) September 13, 2015