Morgan retires hurt after helmet blow

England's one-day skipper Eoin Morgan has been ruled out the final county championship game of the season in a follow-on from the blow he received from a Mitchell Starc delivery.

Morgan ducked and turned his head and was struck on the side of the helmet by Starc's delivery in the series-deciding fifth one-day match at Old Trafford on September 13.

The batsman retired hurt after a lengthy delay for treatment on the field and was said to be still suffering the effects of the blow 48 hours later. He took no further part in the game while Australia sealed the series with an eight-wicket victory.

A concerned Starc is consoled as he checks on Morgan // Getty

Starc was clearly rattled by the incident and remained so for several overs. He was consoled by teammates as well as coach Darren Lehmann, who spoke to the strike bowler on the boundary line at fine leg.

Steve Smith said the Australian team remain deeply affected by the death of close friend and teammate Phillip Hughes last November, who passed away after being struck on the neck by a short delivery during a Sheffield Shield match.

Morgan is treated by England's medical staff // Getty

Morgan had hoped to play for Middlesex in their final county championship match against Worcestershire, but was ruled out under the ECB's medical advice which states players must be symptom free for seven days before being cleared to play again.

"Unfortunately Eoin was still a bit groggy and fuzzy when we assessed him last week," Middlesex director of cricket Angus Fraser told ESPN.

"He is absolutely fine now and I'm sure he would be available to play if there was another fixture next week."

Earlier in the UK summer, there was great concern for Test opener Chris Rogers when he retired hurt during the second Test at Lord's complaining of dizziness having been struck on the helmet during Australia's second innings.

Rogers affected by blow at Lord's

Rogers had also missed Australia's two Tests against the West Indies in June with concussion after being hit on the head during a net session.

He has since retired from Test cricket, saying his long-term health had played a factor in his decision.

Moises Henriques collided with Surrey teammate Rory Burns during a domestic Twenty20 match, the Australian allrounder requiring three separate operations to repair the damage. He returned to cricket in the NSW City v Country match, played the same day Morgan was struck.