Mitchell McClenaghan suffers a nasty blow in his face

McClenaghan receiving treatment

New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan survived a scare as he collapsed on the pitch after a bouncer crashed through the grille of his helmet and hit his eye during the first one-day international against Pakistan.

McClenaghan suffered facial injuries after being struck in the face off Pakistani pacer Anwar Ali on the penultimate ball of New Zealand's innings. McClenaghan fell to the ground after missing a hook shot.

The ball sneaked between the grille of his helmet and smashed into his eye and lodged inside the grille. The force was so powerful that a part of the grille was sent flying onto the pitch and his eye immediately began to swell. Fortunately for McClenaghan, it was a slower ball from Ali.

Luckily, the fast bowler was able to stand on his feet and left the field with the fans at Basin Reserve cheering for him. Eventually, he retired hurt for a much-needed 31 off 18 deliveries that took his side to a competitive 280-8 in 50 overs.

He was taken to a nearby hospital and received stitches near his left eye. He didn't come on the field and in his place, Adam Milne took the field. His innings played a vital part in getting his side to a decent position after Pakistan sent them into bat.

The Kiwis were reeling at 99-6 before crucial knocks from Henry Nicholls (82), Mitchell Santner (48), Matt Henry (48*) and McClenaghan helped them through to 280-8.

Here is the footage of the incident courtesy SkySports New Zealand:

 

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Posted by SKY Sport NZ on Sunday, 24 January 2016