Karunaratne taken to hospital after being hit by short ball

Dimuth Karunaratne was transported to hospital following a terrifying moment on day two of Sri Lanka's second Test against Australia.

Sri Lanker opener Dimuth Karunaratne

Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to hospital after being struck by a bouncer during the second Test against Australia.

Karunaratne was felled by a Pat Cummins short ball, which hit the back of his neck on day two at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday.

Australia's players and the crowd were stunned into silence as Karunaratne – who immediately dropped to the floor – received treatment in the middle of the ground.

Karunaratne left the field of play on an emergency cab to an applause, with his neck held by Australia team doctor Richard Shaw, before being transported to a Canberra hospital.

The 30-year-old batsman – who scored 46 runs prior to the incident – was replaced by Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal with the visitor 82-0 after Australia declared on 534-5.

Cricket Australia later tweeted: "Dimuth complained of pain in neck and tingling to his hands following being struck in the back of the neck, decision then made to transport him to hospital where he is currently being assessed. Updates will be provided when more is known."