Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka rushed to hospital after head blow

Nissanka remained motionless for at least 20 minutes before he was stretchered to the dressing room

Sri Lanka Board President XI’s batsman Pathum Nissanka was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after he suffered a head blow during the second day of the warm-up match against England in Colombo.

The incident happened when Nissanka was fielding at the short leg and Jos Buttler pulled a delivery from the offspinner Nishan Peiris. The ball appeared to be hitting the top of his head. Though he was wearing the helmet, Nissanka fell to the ground holding his head. The play had to be suspended while he received the medical attention.

A few moments later, England team doctor Moiz Moghal went to the pitch to have a check on the injured cricketer. According to several reports, the young cricketer remained motionless for at least 20 minutes before he was stretchered to the dressing room. He didn’t lose his consciousness but experienced a neck pain.

Board XI coach Avishka Gunawardene has confirmed that Nissanka had been "stable and conscious" in the dressing room while SLC confirmed that the player had avoided serious injury.

“He was immediately rushed to the hospital and was given specialist medical attention. While an MRI scan showed that the player is out of danger. However, he will remain in the hospital for 24 hours on observation status, following medical advice,” read the SLC statement. "

Pathum Nissanka, who was playing for the Board XI in the 1st practice game vs England, was hospitalized this evening, after he was hit on the helmet, while fielding at the Short Leg. MRI scan showed that the player is out of danger. https://t.co/CW0myHCiuj pic.twitter.com/GaHfvw9BQs

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) October 31, 2018

Nissanka has represented Sri Lanka in the Under-19 circuit and has an experience of playing 14 first-class, 10 List A and five T20s so far.