Melbourne Stars skipper has helmet knocked off by bouncer

WATCH: John Hastings was okay after being struck by a fierce delivery from Ben Cutting

Melbourne Stars captain John Hastings had his helmet knocked clean off his head by Ben Cutting during his side's Big Bash clash with Brisbane Heat on Tuesday.

Hastings took a heavy blow from the first delivery he faced, having arrived at the crease with the Stars 124 for six batting first at the MCG.

Cutting's bouncer reared up with enough pace to force the batsman's protective headwear to the floor, and the ball almost rebounded onto the stumps, only for Hastings to show sharp presence of mind to kick it away.

There was immediate concern for the veteran bowler, who was seen to by the hosts' medical team at the wicket, but he was cleared to continue.

John Hastings' helmet is knocked off by a bouncer from Ben Cutting 😳

Thankfully he looks to be OK.

Tune in to BT Sport 2 to watch #BBL07 action as Melbourne Stars and Brisbane Heat go head-to-head. pic.twitter.com/9CNhiu7DLw

— The Ashes on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 2, 2018

Hastings did not last much longer in the middle however, as he was caught by Heat captain Brendon McCullum off Cutting from the next delivery he faced for a duck.

The Stars went on to make 141 for seven from their 20 overs, as Glenn Maxwell top scored with a 39-ball 50.

The total was not nearly enough to contain Brisbane's power-hitting opening pair of McCullum and Chris Lynn, however.

McCullum blasted his way to 61 from 30 balls, a knock which included seven boundaries and three maximums, while Lynn added a more reserved 63 not out from 46 deliveries.

The Heat reached their target with more than five overs to spare and with nine wickets still in hand.

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