Ouch! These graphic photographs show the moment unfortunate Shropshire umpire Phil Wardle was struck in the head during a league match.

Wardle, an independent financial adviser from Shrewsbury, was officiating in the Marston’s Shropshire Premier League clash between Newtown and Reman Services on Saturday when he was hit by a straight drive from visiting batsman Dominic Bradburne off the bowling of Martin Lewis.

. . . Players from Reman Services and Newtown rush to Phil’s aid as he is pole-axed. Pics: DAVE EVANS.

“Dominic doesn’t normally hit them that straight but he did that time,” said Wardle.

“I was caught like a rabbit in the headlights. For a split second I saw the ball coming but couldn’t move, then at the last second I fortunately turned by head and it hit me just above the ear.

“We were in the 41st over (out of 50) in the first innings and I went off and had half an hour to try and recover.

Phil Wardle back in action after the incident

“Mal Serplet (the Reman captain) took over at square leg and Tony Lucas did both ends until I came back for the second innings.”

Wardle, who has been on the league umpires’ panel for eight or nine years, was fortunate to suffer no lasting damage.

But he has warned other officials to be alert to the potential risks when they are standing in the middle.

“This picture really highlights the dangers of umpiring in cricket matches,” said Wardle.

”There have actually been a couple of fatalities in the last couple of years where umpires have been killed – you really do have to be on your toes.”