Ferguson struck by Starc bouncer

South Australia batsman Callum Ferguson was unhurt after being struck on the helmet by NSW fast bowler Mitchell Starc in their Sheffield Shield match at the Adelaide Oval today.

The blow sent the new StemGuard protective attachment flying off the rear of Ferguson's Masuri helmet, with the initial impact appearing to be on the grille.

NSW players rushed in to check on Ferguson, who was unharmed.

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After a short break and a change of helmet, Ferguson continued. And Starc continued to pepper the batsman with short-pitched deliveries in the hunt for more wickets.

"The StemGuard clips are designed to pop off during impacts where the forces are sufficient to significantly deform the grille," Masuri managing director Sam Miller told cricket.com.au.

"The helmets may feel solid and rigid in the hand however when struck at pace, they deform very differently. If you watch these impacts with a high-spec slow-motion camera you will see just how much deformation there is. It's quite amazing, the forces we are dealing with are quite frightening.

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Starc and the NSW players check on Ferguson // Getty

"So if the grille is struck you will see the entire structure bend and warp which places big pressure on all areas of the helmet including the StemGuard clips, which deform very differently to the titanium wire used for the grille.

"Further to which when the StemGuard itself is struck at certain angles we would ideally like to see the pad moving directly towards the head in order to create a 'cushion' between the head and the ball. On some head shapes and sizes the clip coming away means the pad can do this instead of pivoting on the clip and possibly taking less of the impact.

"That being said, development is a never ending process, so we will talk to Cricket Australia regarding this incident to see if they have any concerns, and if they do we will certainly take this into account for future development."

WATCH: Raw footage of Starc's bouncer to Ferguson

It was during another NSW and South Australia Shield clash last November when Phillip Hughes was struck a short ball on the back of the neck at the SCG.

Hughes collapsed at the crease and died in hospital two days later from his injuries. An independent review of the incident commissioned by Cricket Australia is expected to report its findings soon, while the NSW state coroner is also investigating.

Quick Single: CA to review Hughes tragedy to avoid repeat

NSW's David Warner, as he was when Hughes was hit, was first to Ferguson's side but the unhurt batsman did not need any assistance as he removed his helmet to inspect the damage.

The SA batsman, after a brief respite, continued his innings and was unbeaten on 13 at the tea break.

Ferguson had his nose broken during a Twenty20 match for South Australia during the precursor to the KFC Big Bash League when a bouncer at the WACA went between the grille and peak of the helmet.

And Starc was left shaken after during the winter one-day internationals against England after a short ball struck England skipper Eoin Morgan in the helmet. There were no such issues today, however, as he quickly returned to bowling short balls at the batsman.