Australia v Sri Lanka: Live coverage of day two of the second Test

Sri Lanka opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was hospitalised after being stuck in the neck by a brutal Pat Cummins bouncer.

2 min read

February 1, 2019 - 4:59PM

Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne was released from hospital on Saturday night following a frightening flashpoint where he was struck in the back of the head by Australian paceman Pat Cummins.

An eerie silence passed over Manuka Oval as Karunaratne received lengthy medical attention and Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusignha admitted that the horror moment sent shockwaves through the camp.

Karunaratne complained of neck pain and tingling in his hands after the brutal blow, but never lost consciousness as he received immediate medical attention, including from Australian doctor Richard Saw as he was stretchered off the field into an awaiting ambulance.

However, Chandika was pleased to report after play that Karunaratne (retired hurt on 46) was improving and the 30-year old was released late on Saturday night and is expected to bat on Sunday.

Dimuth Karunaratne is expected to be discharged tonight. Will bat tomorrow. #AusvSL pic.twitter.com/Inl5aJRte1
— Rex Clementine (@RexClementine) February 2, 2019

Hoping Dimuth Karunaratne isn't hurt badly. It's never nice to see a player go down like that.
It's great to see medical staff from, not only the Lankan team, but also the Aussie team doing everything they can.#AUSvSRI #cricket #TestCricket
— Ash (@LetUsRolll) February 2, 2019

Get well soon Dimuth Karaunaratne ðŸ™ðŸ™#AUSvSRI
— Rabin NepalðŸ”Ÿ âš½âš½ (@rockingnepal201) February 2, 2019

Ohhh Nooo..! Dimuth Karunaratne has taken to the Hospital after being hit on the Head by a rasping Bumper from Cummins..! â˜¹ï¸â˜¹ï¸â˜¹ï¸

Recover soon mate #AUSvSL
— Sarooj (@Sarooj_) February 2, 2019

“It was a bit scary at the start, the way he fell back initially,” said Chandika,.

“But he was OK. He was talking to the umpires and the physio.

“He’s in the hospital at the moment and he’s in good spirits.

“He is in no danger at the moment. He was talking to us before he was leaving.”

Sri Lanka suddenly went from having set the foundation of a superb opening partnership to being three down and likely another batsman short at stumps.

Australian spearhead Cummins was left rattled by the incident and said post-play that it was a sickening experience.

“Obviously it’s never a nice feeling someone going down like that. The good thing was he looked like he was moving his hands and the physio said he seemed alright when he left so we wish him all the best and hopefully he’s doing alright,” said Cummins on Fox Cricket.

Australian century-maker Kurtis Patterson said it was always an uncomfortable feeling.

“You never like seeing that. You want your fast bowlers to obviously be aggressive and try and set them up to get the nick,” he said.

“You never like it when players go down like that. I’m hoping he is ok and can bat again tomorrow.

“All of us were in a little bit of shock but everyone is OK which is good so hoping he is OK to bat again tomorrow.”

Karunaratne’s father and sister were at the ground and were understandably rocked by the situation as they followed the Sri Lankan opener to hospital.

Re-cap our coverage in the blog below.

Originally published as Australia v Sri Lanka: Live coverage of day two of the second Test