Namibia's van Schoor in ICU after stroke

Namibia batsman Raymond van Schoor has been hospitalised after collapsing on the field during a CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge match on Sunday in Windhoek. While initial reports suggested he went into a coma, Cricket Namibia confirmed he was in the ICU after suffering a stroke.*

Van Schoor was batting during Namibia's five-wicket win over Free State on Sunday when he retired hurt in hot conditions and was taken to the hospital immediately. Scans later revealed that he suffered a stroke and was shifted to the ICU on Wednesday.

"Raymond suffered a stroke on Sunday whilst playing for Namibia in the CSA competition against Free State," Cricket Namibia chairman Francois Erasmus said. "There were some complications last night as a result of which he was transferred to ICU. His condition is serious but he is not in a coma. His condition is being monitored closely. The next 48 hours will be vital and we can only but pray that his health will improve significantly over the next few days."

Van Schoor, 25, came to the crease in the 35th over of Namibia's chase and scored 15 off 16 balls before a break was taken either during or at the end of the 43rd over with the score on 225 for 5. According to team-mate Nicolaas Scholtz, van Schoor complained of dizziness and a headache, and asked for water to be brought onto the field.

"He took a sip or two and the next moment he stumbled over," Scholtz said. "I caught him in my arms."

Cricket Namibia CEO Donovan Zealand said since it was hot in Windhoek, everyone assumed it was the conditions that led to van Schoor being retired hurt.

"[He was taken] straightaway to the hospital. He was admitted and then he went for scans and yesterday he was admitted in the ICU because there was some swelling on the brain," Zealand said. "It was hot and we all assumed it was because of dehydration and the heat. Therefore we rushed him straight to the hospital because we didn't know what was the case. It was only after they'd done the scans that they realised he suffered a mild stroke in the brain."

The match continued and Namibia took a further 15 deliveries to achieve victory.