Sri Lankan batsman Kaushal Silva out of danger after being airlifted with blow to head

New Delhi: Following a blow to his head, Sri Lankan batsman Kaushal Silva was on Sunday airlifted to a Colombo hospital during a practice match at Pallekele.

According to a report on ESPNCricinfo, initial CAT scans indicated that the 29-year-old was out of danger. However, he is now being monitored as a precautionary measure.

"Kaushal was fielding at short leg when he got hit. [Dinesh Chandimal] swept a ball right onto the back of Kaushal's head. He did take evasive action, but still the ball hit him," team manager Charith Senanayake said.

Luckily, Silva was wearing a helmet with extra protection. This new design was adopted by equipment manufacturers post the tragic demise of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. 

Silva's teammates say that the helmet with added protection is what prevented serious damage to his head.

A dazed Silva was rushed to a hospital in Kandy as soon as the incident occurred. He was then shifted to Colombo once an initial CAT scan was conducted.

The wicketkeeper batsman scored a ton on Day 1 of the two-day practice match and was bound to be on the light to England for the upcoming series.