Buttler cops nasty blow to helmet

A brutal bouncer first delivery was not enough to stop England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler from blasting England to an imposing total against Sri Lanka in the World Cup match in Wellington.

Buttler was welcomed to the crease by Lasith Malinga with a perfectly placed bouncer that crashed into the side of his grille.

Footage shows the England wicketkeeper reel back after missing the ball with an improvised form of defence as he took his bottom hand off the bat.

Both umpires and the Sri Lankan players immediately checked on Buttler’s condition.

The game was paused for several minutes as the batsman received medical treatment.

Buttler responded in perfect fashion after the resumption of play, pulling Malinga’s next delivery for four.

He finished with 39 off 19 deliveries featuring six boundaries and a six as England finished with 309-6.

Joe Root was the star of England’s innings with 121 from 108 balls.