England opener Mal Loye escaped with nothing more than a few stitches after being struck in the face while batting in Friday's one-day international against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Loye needed three stitches to close a gash in his chin but X-rays cleared him of any broken bones.

The 34-year-old opener called for medical treatment after ducking into a bouncer from Australian paceman Glenn McGrath that he top edged into the base of the metal grill on his helmet.

Loye decided to continue batting but was out for 29 from the next delivery he faced.

Loye made his international debut for England against Australia two weeks ago when he was called into the squad as cover for injured captain Michael Vaughan.