Blackcaps star Jimmy Neesham has produced a scary moment in a Super Smash clash between his Wellington Firebirds and Canterbury Kings, drilling his captain with a powerful drive to the head.
The Firebirds batting line-up was struggling, when Neesham and Michael Bracewell came together wicket at 40/4. After getting their side back into a strong position at 108/4 in the 17th over, Neesham tried to smash spinner Blake Coburn down the ground.
He connected sweetly, but his skipper couldn't get out of the way in time and copped the ball squarely in his helmet. The force of the blow sent Bracewell crashing backwards, but instincts kicked in and he staggered through for a single.
After his helmet was removed, blood poured from above his eye due to the helmet ricocheting into his eye. The force of the impact caused Bracewell to retire hurt on 31, before he was sent to hospital for checks and to stitches.
The 29-year-old was ruled out of the contest and his Wellington side will hope he is available for their next match on Sunday against Otago Volts.
He comes from a rich cricketing background - he's the nephew of former test players Brendon and John Bracewell, and cousin of current Blackcap Doug Bracewell.
The 68-run partnership between Bracewell and Neesham, and a quick fire 29 from 10 balls from Logan Van Beek saw the Firebirds through to 154/7 off their 20 overs.
More to come
