Cricket: Marsh hits young bowler in head during nets session

Mitchell Marsh talks to Aussie skipper Steve Smith during a training session. Photo / Getty

In the week of the anniversary of Phillip Hughes' death, a young net bowler was struck a savage blow on the back of his head at Australia's practice session at Adelaide Oval last night.

The bowler was struck by a forceful shot from Australian allrounder Mitchell Marsh.

A year ago Hughes was tragically struck on the side of his neck in a Sheffield Shield game between New South Wales and South Australia and died. The Australian players were visibly shaken by last night's incident.

Three of them, David Warner, Steve O'Keefe and Marsh, rushed to the young bowlers' aid after he was struck, by eerie coincidence, in a similar place to Hughes.

The net bowler was not seriously hurt and was treated for a laceration to an ear by Australian team doctor Peter Brukner.

Marsh left the nets straight away and sat on an esky with his head in his hands for some time.

Eventually Warner, who was on the park when Hughes was struck, talked to Marsh, who eventually resumed batting, but afterwards was seen talking to Australian team psychologist Michael Lloyd.

Activities in the other nets stopped after the sound of the low and cries of the players.
Cricket Australia are expected to pay an understated tribute to Hughes on Friday at the opening day of the inaugural day-night test.