Cricket: Loye avoids serious injury

Mal Loye of England is struck on the jaw during the match against Australia. Photo / Reuters

SYDNEY - England opener Mal Loye escaped with nothing more than a few stitches after being struck in the face while batting in the one-day international against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.

Loye needed three stitches to close a gash in his chin but X-rays cleared him of any broken bones.

The 34-year-old opener called for medical treatment after ducking into a bouncer from Australian paceman Glenn McGrath that he top edged into the base of the metal grill on his helmet.

Loye decided to continue batting but was out for 29 from the next delivery he faced.

Loye, who had been playing as an import for Auckland, made his international debut for England against Australia a fortnight ago when he was called into the squad as cover for England's injured captain Michael Vaughan.

England reached 292 for seven off their 50 overs, opener Ed Joyce scoring his maiden one-day international century with 107.

- REUTERS