Buttler takes blow to the head while keeping in Big Bash opener

England star was struck by a fizzing throw from team-mate Andrew Fekete

Jos Buttler received a painful welcome to the Big Bash when he was struck on the head by one of his own players during Sydney Thunder's clash with Sydney Sixers.

Buttler was keeping wicket for the Thunder in their BBL07 opener when a wild throw from Andrew Fekete leapt off the edge of the square and rose sharply towards his face.

The England star turned away from the ball, which cannoned into the side of his helmet.

Buttler was treated on the pitch by the Thunder medical staff as play was held up for several minutes, but he was ultimately cleared to continue.

And the Thunder will have been delighted he was okay, as Buttler produced two smart pieces of glovework to complete key run-outs during the important final overs of the Sixers' innings.

The Sixers eventually posted 149 for nine from their 20 overs against the cross-town rivals, with Fawad Ahmed returning excellent bowling figures of 2-11 from his four overs.

There were mixed emotions for the other England players on display. Jason Roy was bundled out fifth ball for two but Sam Billings produced an enterprising cameo of 32.

In the Thunder's reply, Buttler failed with the bat. He was dismissed by Daniel Sams for a duck to continue a meagre run of form in the T20 format.

Buttler is averaging just 8.1 from his past 10 innings, having gone beyond 15 just once in that time.

That didn't matter for the Thunder in the end, however, as a destructive innings from Shane Watson laid the foundations for a five-wicket win.

Watson clubbed 77 before Arjun Nair and Aiden Blizzard took 15 from the final over of the innings to ensure their side edged home.

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