JACK Shantry was forced to retire hurt and needed six stitches after opening the batting for Greenvale Kangaroos in Australia.

The Worcestershire paceman had made eight not out when he was struck by a delivery after attempting a sweep shot.

He left the action and was unable to bowl but thankfully it appears that the setback is not too serious.

The Kangaroos suffered an eight-wicket defeat in a Victoria Premier Cricket Bartercard Men’s Premier Firsts T20 encounter with visiting Geelong.

Shantry tweeted: “I’m good. Not the best day of cricket. First time I’ve retired hurt, six stitches for trying to sweep the seamer.”

Greenvale, who had elected to bat, were restricted to 95-5 in their 20 overs with Worcestershire wicketkeeper Ben Cox second highest scorer with 23.

Geelong made light of their task and reached their modest target in 14 overs as the Kangaroos poor run of results continued.

Shantry starred with a century batting at number nine for Worcestershire against Surrey last season.