An umpire officiating England 's Test match with India was struck on the head with a wayward cricket ball in a scary incident in Mumbai.

Paul Reiffel, a veteran of 27 Tests, was struck when Indian fielder Bhuvneshwar Kumar hurled in a throw from the outfield.

But off target it struck Reiffel in the back of the head flooring the 50-year-old Australian and leaving him dazed.

Reiffel was left on the floor and the medical team at the Wankhede Stadium was rushed on to assist him.

Reiffel was struck on the head at square leg by a wayward throw from Kumar (
Image:
Sky Sports)
Reiffel was seen to by medical staff as play was delayed for 10 minutes (
Image:
Sky Sports)

Play was delayed as he was helped from the field before 3rd umpire Marais Erasmus replaced him as the game restarted after a 10 minute delay.

Reserve official Shamshuddin took over the South African's duties in the box.

Reiffel was looked over by medics (
Image:
Reuters)
Reiffel was helped from the field (
Image:
Reuters)

Though clearly shaken Reiffel was smiling as he left with assistance from the medical officials.

On the field England won the toss and chose to bat with opener Keaton Jennings passing fifty on his first appearance for his country.