World Cup: Sri Lanka opener Avishka taken off on a stretcher following injury

Avishka Fernando, a likely Sri Lanka opener for the Cricket World Cup, had to be taken off on a stretcher with an apparent ankle injury.

Avishka Fernando leaves the field injured during the warm up match between Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Sri Lanka might have been dealt an injury blow prior to the Cricket World Cup, with opener Avishka Fernando having suffered an apparent ankle injury.

Fernando slipped while fielding during Sri Lanka's warm up match with South Africa on Friday, landing awkwardly on his side.

The physios were called on and, after receiving treatment, Fernando attempted to walk off, but a stretcher was required to take him from the field.

Sri Lanka takes on New Zealand in its World Cup opener on June 1.