Sri Lanka cricketer Kaushal Silva was taken to hospital on Sunday after being hit on the head by a cricket ball while fielding in a domestic match in Pallekele, according to a reports. Sri Lanka Cricket said that the is scans were clear, but he was flown to a hospital in the capital Colombo for further tests and observation, the cricket body added. Silva has played 24 test matches for Sri Lanka and scored 1,404 runs at an average of 31. He played all three matches of India's Test series in the island nation. "Kaushal was fielding at short leg when he got hit," ESPNCricinfo quoted national team manager Charith Senanayake as saying. According to Senanayake, Sri Lanka vice-captain Dinesh Chandimal "swept right onto the back of Kaushal's head. He did take evasive action, but still the ball hit him."

Kaushal Silva hit on head whilst fielding at Pallakelle. CT clear but airlifted to Colombo for precautionary observation and tests. #SLC

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) April 24, 2016

The report added that Silva appeared to have been struck below the back rim of the helmet - "in the padded wings that became part of helmet design following Phillip Hughes' death." The injury could have been more damaging if he had been wearing a helmet without this added protection, according to the players. Sunday's match was part of Sri Lanka's preparations for its tour of England next month, with the first of three tests starting at Headingley on 19 May.