The all-rounder took a blow to the helmet when he missed an attempted pull off a short ball from Hardus Viljoen, the ball striking his helmet around his right ear. The incident took place in the 14th over of the first innings.

Upon impact, Russell went down on the floor, and was surrounded by concerned Zouks players. They removed his helmet, even as the physios rushed on. After some treatment, the all-rounder was encouragingly back on his feet.

UPDATE: Russell has been cleared of any damage. He will head back to the team hotel.

— Jamaica Tallawahs (@JAMTallawahs) September 13, 2019

However, the effects of the hit were evident even as he stood up, and a stretcher was brought on as he retired hurt. He was put in a neck brace, and carried off the field.

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An update from the Tallahwahs thereafter stated that Russell was clear of danger. “UPDATE: Russell has been cleared of any damage. He will head back to the team hotel,” the franchise said on Twitter.

Russell watched on from his hotel as Jamaica suffered their third straight defeat in CPL 2019, losing by five wickets to the Zouks. Even without Russell, who faced just three balls for nought, Jamaica posted 170-5 thanks to Glenn Phillips’ half-century and Rovman Powell’s 22-ball 44.

However, an opening stand of 111, between Andre Fletcher (47 off 36) and Rahkeem Cornwall (75 off 30), helped the Zouks coast home with 20 balls to spare.