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Adam Voges Hit On Head In Sickening Blow

The batsman has concussion.
Adam Voges is OK despite this heavy knock.
Getty Images
Adam Voges is OK despite this heavy knock.

The good news is that Adam Voges appears to be OK after being struck by a bouncer in the Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania in the WACA in Perth. The bad news is that his Test career may now be over, at least in the short term.

Ever since Phillip Hughes died after being struck on the neck at the SCG in 2014, the sight of any batsman being floored by a short-pitched delivery inevitably sends shivers down the spine of all cricket watchers.

Fortunately, Voges appears to be OK. Cricket Australia reported that the 37-year-old veteran of 20 Tests lowered himself to the turf after he was struck, and that team medical staff ran out onto the ground to assess him.

After a few minutes of treatment, Voges was able to walk from the ground, assisted by medical staff. He was later diagnosed with concussion and ruled out of the rest of the four day match.

Voges was already one of the men likely to be dropped for next week's Adelaide Test, and must now be regarded as close to no chance of being picked. Voges was 16 not out when he had to leave the field, in a match where fellow Test batting aspirant Cameron Bancroft fell for just two.

But there was better news for another Australian Test batsman. Usman Khawaja's position was probably safe, but it's definitely wrapped up now, thanks to the brisk 106 he made for Queensland against South Australia.

Another having a good day is 25-year-old Victorian Peter Handscomb, who is one of the young batsman seriously in the mix for an Adelaide berth. Batting at number four for Victoria, Handscomb faced more than 180 balls in making his century, in exactly the sort of gutsy display that would please selectors.

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