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Memories of Hughes as Warner cops scary bouncer blow

David Warner has sent a scare through the Australian team after being hit by a Josh Hazlewood bouncer in Darwin.

Warner was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the neck on the second day of Australia's intra-squad match at Marrara Oval.

Warner mis-timed a pull shot and was hit in the neck, the ball seemingly missing the Aussie vice-captain's helmet.

Warner mis-times his shot. Image: Getty
Warner mis-times his shot. Image: Getty

He immediately fell to the ground but was able to walk off the field by himself, leaving his bat in the middle.

He looks to have escaped serious injury, but the scary blow would have had everyone holding their breath.

Warner hits the deck. Image: Getty
Warner hits the deck. Image: Getty

Former teammate and good friend Phillip Hughes was killed in a similar incident in 2014 while playing a Sheffield Shield match for South Australia.

Hughes was also struck in the neck attempting to play a pull shot and died in hospital two days later.

Warner points to his neck. Image: Getty
Warner points to his neck. Image: Getty

"He's a little bit sore and stiff in the neck but, just speaking to him then, he's all fine," Pat Cummins said after play.

"It's never the intent (to hit a batsman)... but it's just one of those things that happens.

"It's only a practice match, so he may or may not be out there tomorrow but he seems to be in pretty good shape."

The Aussies are fine-tuning their preparations for their upcoming Test series of Bangladesh, with a Steve Smith XI taking on a Warner XI.