Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne given the ‘all-clear’ after being struck on neck with ball

Sri Lanka opener, Dimuth Karunaratne, looked in excruciating pain after he was struck by a rising bouncer from Australian pacer, Pat Cummins. The delivery, which was clocked at 142 kph, appeared to glance off Karunaratne’s shoulder and onto his helmet, close to the neck area. The Sri Lankan fell to the ground immediately dropping his bat as Australian players ran to his support. A doctor and physio sprinted onto the ground and called for more medics before he was stretchered off the field.

However, reports have now emerged that the Sri Lankan batsman is now out of any serious danger after medics carried out the necessary tests as per protocol. 

“Karunaratne received the all clear and was discharged from hospital late on Saturday night, but a decision on whether he bats during Sri Lanka’s first innings will not be made until Sunday,” Cricket Australia said in an announcement.

The incident with Karunaratne brought to mind the sad tragedy that occurred with former Australia cricketer Phil Hughes, who passed away after he was struck by a delivery in Sheffield Shield match. However, on a positive note, Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha added, “He’s in the hospital at the moment and in good spirits. No danger at the moment. He was talking to us before he was leaving as well. It was a bit scary at the start the way he fall back initially but he was OK. Throughout he was talking to the umpires and the physio. Hit on the back of the neck so he’s being assessed at the moment.”