Morgan head blow brings back memories of Phillip Hughes incident

Mitchell Starc and Steve Smith of Australia show concern for Eoin Morgan after he was struck in the helmet by a short ball. Photo / Getty

Australia's players have been left shaken by an incident which forced England captain Eoin Morgan from the field, and revived painful memories.

Australia skipper Steve Smith admits he and his teammates remain deeply affected by the death of close friend and teammate Phillip Hughes less than a year ago - saying he is unable to put a timeframe on when incidents such as this won't instinctively rattle them.

"That's a really tough one to answer. I'm not really sure," Smith said.

"I guess each individual is going to be different as well.

"Whenever anyone gets hit on the helmet like that your first concern is for their health.

"I hope (Morgan is) OK and he can recover well."

The sight of Morgan unsteady on his feet and struggling with dizziness after being struck by a Mitchell Starc bouncer brought those memories flooding back.

"I think there were a couple of guys that were a bit shaken up, Starcy in particular," Smith said.

"Obviously it was a tough summer for us back home, losing a close mate.

"It's always nasty when you get a (blow) like that, so there were a few guys shaken up."

Morgan was on one when he ducked into the bouncer and was struck on the side of the head.

He dropped his bat and walked off the pitch, with Starc and George Bailey offering an arm for support as Morgan attempted to steady himself.

Smith signalled to the England dressing room to bring out the medical staff, who helped the left-handed batsman from the field after a five-minute assessment.

Starc remained rattled for several overs, and was consoled by teammates as well as coach Darren Lehmann, who wandered down to chat to his strike bowler at fine leg.

Starc was the only player involved on Sunday who was playing the day Hughes was struck on the back of the neck last November while batting for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield.

Hughes died two days later from the injury.

It is not the first time concern has been shown for a batsman struck on the helmet - Australian opener Chris Rogers retired hurt at Lord's complaining of dizziness having been struck on the helmet two days earlier.

The veteran also missed Australia's two Tests against the West Indies before the Ashes with concussion after being hit on the head during a net session.

He has since retired, admitting his long-term health had played a factor in his decision.

-AAP