Shai Hope to be Jeremy Solozano's concussion replacement for West Indies in 1st Test vs Sri Lanka

West Indies batter Shai Hope will come into the playing XI as debutant Jeremy Solozano's concussion replacement in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle.

West Indies batter Shai Hope. (Photo: Cricket West Indies)

The West Indies cricket team have announced that batter Shai Hope will be debutant Jeremy Solozano's concussion replacement after the youngster was hit on the helmet on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. Solozano has suffered a concussion following the blow to the head and is undergoing treatment for the same.

"Jeremy Solozano has suffered a concussion. He will return to the team hotel today and begin undergoing the appropriate protocol. Shai Hope will replace Solozano in the ongoing test match #MenInMaroon #SLvWI," West Indies cricket board (CWI) statement on Twitter read.

Jeremy Solozano has suffered a concussion. He will return to the team hotel today and begin undergoing the appropriate protocol.

Shai Hope will replace Solozano in the ongoing test match #MenInMaroon #SLvWI https://t.co/kpW0GznGP3 pic.twitter.com/xypCWzM0Q5 — Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 22, 2021

Earlier, CWI had informed that Solozano's scans had shown now structural damage but he was kept in hospital overnight on Sunday (November 21) for observation. "Jeremy Solozano’s scans show no structural damage. He will be kept at the hospital overnight for observation. We will continue to keep you posted on any further updates from our Medical team," the CWI statement read.

Solozano on Sunday was stretchered off the field during day one of the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka. In the 24th over of Sri Lankan first innings, Solozano came in the way of a pull shot from skipper Dimuth Karunaratne.

The West Indies debutant received the blow to his helmet and was taken to a hospital. 

Roston Chase bowled a short delivery to Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne. In response, Karunaratne struck a powerful pull shot off backfoot straight in the direction of Solozano, who got very little time in trying to duck the ball. The 26-year-old was then smashed in front of his helmet grille with the rear part of the helmet coming off on impact.

Solozano lay still on the ground, surrounded by the players while the physio tended to him. In the dressing room, West Indies coach Phil Simmons looked a worried man. Solozano was consequently stretchered off the field by the medical staff and was taken to a hospital in an ambulance.

"Injury Update. Debutant Jeremy Solozano was stretchered off the field after receiving a blow to his helmet while fielding. He has been taken to the hospital for scans. We are hoping for a speedy recovery. We`ll update you once we hear more. Shai Hope is the substitute fielder at this time," CWI had tweeted that time.

After electing to bat first, Sri Lanka are 267/3 in 88 overs with Karunaratne unbeaten at 132 off 265 balls with Dhananjaya de Silva giving him company, remaining not out at 56 off 77 balls. For West Indies, Chase had figures of 2/42 while Shannon Gabriel had one scalp to his name.