WATCH: Dimuth Karunaratne stretchered off after being hit by Pat Cummins bouncer

Dimuth Karunaratne stretchered off: The Sri Lankan opening batsman received a brutal hit on the backside of his neck.

During the second day of the second Test of the ongoing Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia at Canberra, Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was witnessed at the receiving end of a vicious bouncer from Australia fast bowler and vice-captain Pat Cummins.

It happened on the fourth ball of the 31st over when Cummins’ short delivery hit Karunaratne on the back of his neck. The nasty blow that it was, it saw the batsman losing his bat and falling on the ground instantly.

Just as Karunaratne’s non-striker Lahiru Thirimanne and a few Australian cricketers were catering to the injured batsman, the visitors’ physio rushed to the ground. Given the impact of the blow, the on-field umpires were then seen as calling out for the stretcher as the 30-year old southpaw was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.

Karunaratne was then taken to the hospital where he is expected to go undergo a few scans. While there is nothing to worry about, these scans are done majorly as part of the procedure.

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

Talking about the match, Sri Lanka are trailing by 411 runs in the first innings. In reply to Australia’s 535-5 dec. in 132 overs, the visitors ended Day 2 on 123-3 in 43 overs. Sri Lanka hadn’t lost a wicket till Karunaratne retired off.

Post his injury, Sri Lanka lost three wickets in quick succession to give Australia the advantage they must have thought of seeking before declaring their innings.

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