Pathum Nissanka out of danger after scary head injury

Pathum Nissanka was stretchered off the field and rushed to the hospital after being hit on the head.

There were scary scenes yesterday at NCC grounds where England were playing Sri Lanka Board XI in a two day warm-up game as former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Pathum Nissanka had to be stretchered off the field after being hit on the head.

Just prior to tea, England batsman Jos Buttler, one of the powerful hitters in the game, pulled a short ball from Nishan Peiris and the ball struck Nissanka’s helmet. The 20-year-old fielding at short leg took evasive action and fell flat on the ground forcing the umpires to halt play.

Medical staff from both teams treated the player for about ten minutes before carrying him him off the ground on a stretcher and transfered to hospital.

He was conscious despite the heavy blow.

Former Sri Lanka Under-19 cricketer Pathum Nissanka was hit on the head when Jos Buttler pulled one straight onto the fielder’s helmet.

SLC said that an MRI scan showed that the player is out of danger, but the doctors had advised that he should remain in the hospital under observation.

Although it wasn’t noticed then, the stroke brought about Buttler’s dismissal as the ball ballooned off Nissanka’s helmet and the catch was taken at short leg.

The game ended in a draw after England posted 365 for seven in reply to SL Board President’s 392 for nine.

Test skipper Joe Root posted an unbeaten hundred while the rest of the batsmen gained useful batting practice. Moeen Ali finished with a half-century.

Off-spinner Nishan Peiris picked up three wickets.

Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara making a comeback after an injury picked up one wicket.

England will play a second warm-up game starting today at the CCC. This too will be a two day game.

Following that the tourists will travel to Galle for preparation for the three match Test series. The first Test will be played in Galle from the 6th of November. The next two Tests will be played at Pallekele and SSC.

Brief Scores:

SL Board President’s XI 392 for nine in 89.5 overs (Lahiru Thirimanne 45, Kaushal Silva 62, Sadeera Samarawickrama 58, Angelo Mathews 45, Ashan Priyanjan 50, Manoj Sarathchandra 59, Moeen Ali 2/64, James Anderson 1/37, Chris Woakes 1/40)

England 365 for seven in 90 overs (Rory Burns 47, Joe Root 100, Jos Buttler 44, Moeen Ali 66, Nishan Peiris 3/108, Lahiru Kumara 1/42)