Hashim Amla Returns to Play After Getting Hit on Helmet

Amla had been looking in good touch before a 144 kmph delivery from Archer hit him on the grill.

Hashim Amla had to leave the field after being hit on the helmet. 

(Photo: AP)

South African opener Hashim Amla was hit on the helmet by England paceman Jofra Archer in the fourth over of the South African innings, which forced him to leave the field for medical attention.

Amla and De Kock opened the innings for South Africa, who are chasing 312 for victory in the World Cup opener at the Kennington Oval in London. Amla had been looking in good touch before a 144.8 kmph delivery from Archer hit him on the grill, after which he decided to leave the field.

Aiden Markram, who then joined De Kock at the wicket, was dismissed cheaply for 11 by Archer in the eighth over.

Amla however returned in the 37th over to immediately face Archer but lasted just two more overs and was out for 13, nicking behind a Liam Plunkett bouncer.

Earlier, South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. Imran Tahir became the first spinner ever to open the bowling in World Cup history. A 106-run stand at the top and some good contributions down the middle from Ben Stokes (89) and Eoin Morgan (57) helped England finish strong on 311/8.

This was after Jason Roy (54) and Joe Root (51) also struck fifties at the top of the order.