Andre Russell Hospitalised After Suffering Nasty Blow On Head
In yet another on-field incident that have rocked the game in recent times, Kolkata Knight Riders star Andre Russell was stretchered off the ground by medical staff after a blow to his helmet. The horrific incident took place in the first innings of Jamaica Tallawahs’ clash against St Lucia Zouks at Sabina Park on Thursday.
Andre Russell was soon taken for a CT scan. The franchise later gave a medical update, confirming that the star allrounder did not suffer any serious injury. The doctors, however, asked Andre Russell to take rest. Consequently, the West Indies star headed straight to his hotel from the hospital and didn’t play further part in the game.
The incident occurred in the 14th over, after Russell, batting on zero, failed to connect with a pull. Zouks pacer Hardus Viljoen had bowled a short ball, and the ball struck Russell’s helmet near the right ear.
Andre Russell has been stretched off, after being hit by Viljoen?
Get well soon Dre Russ!#FiWiTallawahs #JamaicaTallawahs #CPL19 #CricketPlayedLouder #Sports #Jamaica #cricket? pic.twitter.com/HXMQSDswBG
— Jamaica Tallawahs (@JAMTallawahs) September 13, 2019
The hard-hitting allrounder had backed away before Viljoen had delivered the ball, and so the bowler followed the batsman, cramping him for space. Consequently, Russell failed to execute the pull and ended up copping the blow. Russell immediately dropped to the ground and the Zouks fielders then removed his helmet.
The medical team soon rushed to the field to check on the player before the batsman managed to stand on his feet. He was beginning to walk off, retired hurt, when he was made to stop. A stretcher was brought in, and Russell – with a neck brace on – was taken off. At first look, it appeared Russell’s helmet did not have a neck guard.
Tallawahs finished the first innings on 170 for 5, adding only 38 runs in the last six overs. They eventually lost by five wickets. It was their third straight loss of the campaign.
