The emotional toll that Phillip Hughes' death has taken on the Australian cricketers was all too evident on Thursday when the home side's nervous players rushed to check on Indian skipper Virat Kohli after he was hit by a Mitchell Johnson bouncer here.
In the 31st over of India's first innings, Kohli walked in after the dismissal of Murali Vijay (53) and was immediately welcomed by a short-pitched delivery from Johnson. The right-hander ducked but was hit on the badge of his helmet, prompting him to take off his gear for a moment.
And perhaps it was the trauma of Hughes' death that had a nervous-looking Johnson immediately rushing to check on Kohli's well-being. The Indian seemed unfazed but the Aussies were visibly rattled when Kohli took off his helmet. Australia skipper Michael Clarke was among the fielders who ran up to him and enquired if he was alright.
Clarke was later seen comforting Johnson as well by patting the fast bowler's shoulders. Even the umpires walked up to Kohli to check on him.