Australia vs Sri Lanka | Dimuth Karunaratne stretchered off after blow to neck on Pat Cummins' bouncer

After Australia put up a huge score of 534 for 5, the opening pair of Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne provided a solid start to the Sri Lankan innings, but Karunaratne’s innings was cut short in between when he was attempting to duck the bouncer in the fourth delivery of the 31st over.

The Sri Lankan opener instantly turned his head when he saw the was ball was approaching, but the ball did not rise as expected and struck him in the neck area. Thankfully, Karunaratne had a shield on his helmet so as to protect himself, but it was so fearsome that he fell down on the surface on his back and lost the grip of the bat in the process. 

Sri Lankan physio and the Australian team doctor rushed onto the field instantly to check him. The good thing was that despite his apparent discomfort and was conscious throughout the episode. The medical staff immediately put a brace around his neck and transferred him onto a stretcher before driving him off the field. While people didn’t realise it was pretty severe, upon the realisation, Tim Paine and Pat Cummins watched proceedings closely.

Cricket Australia later released a statement, saying, "Dimuth complained of pain in the neck and tingling to his hands following being struck in the back of the neck, the decision then made to transport him to the hospital where he is currently being assessed. Updates will be provided when more is known."

The Lankan opener was instantly taken to the hospital and will now undergo scans to inspect for any damage and to check for a concussion.

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