Kaushal Silva hospitalised after being struck on the head

Sri Lankan batsman Kaushal Silva was airlifted to a hospital in Colombo after he was hit on the head while fielding during a practice match in Pallekele.

The incident happened when Silva was fielding at short leg and the ball struck him on the back of the head as Dinesh Chandimal played a sweep shot.

Sri Lankan team manager Charith Senanayake revealed that although Silva took evasive action after seeing the batsman play a sweep shot, he was still struck on the head.

“Kaushal was fielding at short leg when he got hit,” Senanayake was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“[Dinesh Chandimal] swept right onto the back of Kaushal’s head.

“He did take evasive action, but still the ball hit him.”

The report in ESPNCricinfo also stated that Silva was wearing the new model of helmets which come with extra padding near the neck to offer additional protection.

Furthermore, Senanayake confirmed that Silva displayed symptoms of concussion on the field and he was immediately taken to a hospital in Kandy where he underwent a CAT scan.

It was then decided to shift Silva to a hospital in Colombo and the 29-year-old was reported to be out of danger but is being monitored carefully as a precautionary measure.

Silva scored a century on the first day of the practice match which is a part of the Sri Lanka team's preparations before they depart to England for a tour in May.

© Cricket World 2016