NSW batsman Ben Rohrer was taken from the field on a stretcher and rushed to hospital after a vicious bouncer struck his helmet during the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.

Rohrer tried to duck under the delivery from Victoria quick Chris Tremain early in Monday’s second session, but it kept low and smacked the side of his head.

The 33-year-old staggered for a few steps, then hit the ground as fielders immediately called for on-duty doctor Trefor James.

“I was very worried,” said NSW skipper Peter Nevill, who was at the non-striker’s end.

“It looked very nasty. It got him flush. Straight away he was struggling.

“Thankfully he’s just got back from the hospital and there’s no major damage.

“He’ll probably have a sore head tomorrow, but hopefully there’s nothing to stop him playing the next Shield game.”

Rohrer groggily got to his feet after a few minutes, but left the field sitting on the back of a motorised stretcher.

He was sent for precautionary scans, retired hurt and played no further part in the game.

“I feel bad for Benny, he’s a really good guy,” Victoria wicketkeeper Matthew Wade said.

“He was out cold.”