Jamaica Tallawahs' Andre Russell was stretchered off the ground by medical staff after a blow to his helmet in the first innings of Jamaica Tallawahs' clash against St Lucia Zouks at Sabina Park on Thursday.

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.

Russell immediately dropped to the ground and the Zouks fielders then removed his helmet. When the medical team rushed in to check on Russell, the batsman looked weary but stood up on his feet.

Russell 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.

Three overs after the incident, Tallawahs head coach Donovan Miller told the broadcasters that "there was no update on Russell just yet."

Tallawahs finished the first innings on 170 for 5, adding only 38 runs in the last six overs.