Virat Kohli: India Batsman Hit In Head Against Australia, Reviving Memories Of Philip Hughes Death

Virat Kohli was struck in the head with a ball during India’s cricket match against Australia, a scary moment that revived memories of the tragic death of Australian batsman Philip Hughes last month.

Kohli was struck on the head by Mitchell Johnson on just the second ball he faced. The batsman remained on his feet after a loud crack, but appeared to be a bit shaken.

The Australian players rushed from the field to check on Kohli, whose own teammates also came out to check on him. After a moment Kohli put back on his helmet and the tension eased.

Kohli had a strong performance for India, leading a fightback with a 115.

“It was a great breakthrough,” Australian spinner Nathan Lyon said of Kohli’s wicket. “It’s probably put today in the balance. If Virat doesn’t play that shot and they’re still four down it probably leans towards them. But they’re five down now and it’s in the balance, and we’re looking forward to coming out tomorrow.”

But the scary moment was what resonated with many of the players, who just weeks before saw teammate and promising young star Philip Hughes killed when he was struck in the head with a ball.

Nathan Lyon said the players present on the field when Hughes was killed had to comfort themselves after the scary moment with Kohli.

“Your heart skips a beat, especially for the four guys out there,” Lyon said of himself, David Warner, Shane Watson and Brad Haddin. “I know I went to everyone just to ask if they were ok, because it’s something you don’t want to see again. We were out there for Phil’s incident and today that sound was pretty familiar. That’s why we all ran in there quite quickly to see if he was ok. It’s something you don’t want to see ever happen again, what happened with Phil.”

Ultimately, Virat Kohli was left unhurt and will be back as India’s captain in the absence of MS Dhoni.

[Image via SMH.com]