Sydney Sixers opener Josh Philippe has shaken off a dramatic blow to the neck to spearhead their Big Bash League win over the Melbourne Stars.
Philippe was left stunned when he misjudged his hook shot and the short ball from Brody Couch hit him on Wednesday night at the MCG.
But the in-form batsman said after the game that it had not caused any damage.
Play was held up for several minutes as Sixers medical staff and concerned Stars players made sure Philippe was alright.
He promptly hit Couch's next delivery for four.
Philippe finished off the match with a six and made 99no from 61 balls as the Sixers won by seven wickets.
"I'm feeling fine - it was more of a shock than anything," he told Fox Cricket after the game
"I don't think I've ever been hit there, but it felt like it hit me pretty flush at the time - but all good."
Couch was first relieved that Philippe was not injured and then impressed with his composure.
"I was a bit concerned. I just wanted to make sure he was okay," the young Stars paceman said.
"It just shows the class of the player he is, to get back up and go again. Unfortunately, he got me away (for four).
"We did pretty well, but it was just a night when he was a little bit too good."
Philippe's innings overshadowed Stars captain Glenn Maxwell, who scored his first BBL century.
Maxwell's 103 from 57 balls gave the Stars a chance after they lost two early wickets.
"Incredible. Unbelievable. He just keeps showing everyone why he's one of the best cricketers in the world," Couch said of Maxwell's innings.
Maxwell then nearly dismissed Philippe with the first ball of the Sixers innings, but the thick outside edge went over backward point.
Once Philippe settled in, it always looked likely that the Sixers would pull off their run chase.
It is only the third time a player has scored a BBL ton and lost.
The Sixers, who are top of the BBL ladder with a 3-1 record, have also won their last seven games against the Stars.
Despite winning three BBL titles, Sixers players are yet to score a ton.
But Wednesday night's win came at a cost. While Philippe reported no ill effects from his blow to the neck, Steve O'Keefe limped from the field late in the Stars innings with a leg injury.
Tom Curran also suffered back spasms and only bowled one over.
