Dion Stovell has been ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Qualifier in Bermuda.

The Bermuda cricket captain has been declared unfit to participate in the upcoming tournament because of a concussion he suffered after being struck on the head in Cup Match at Wellington Oval.

The Somerset all-rounder was hit near his temple by a ball from St George’s seam bowler Justin Pitcher, facing the first ball of his team’s second innings after being promoted up the order.

After being attended to by medics at the crease, Stovell was taken to hospital for further observation and discharged.

“Dion went back to the physio today [yesterday] and they said he got a concussion, so he is out of the tournament,” Janeiro Tucker, the assistant Bermuda coach, said. “When your captain and main batsman is out of the tournament of course it’s a setback. But we have to push on from it and I think the guys will pick up the slack.

“It’s a lot of performers in the team, so I think they will pick up the slack in everything; batting, bowling and fielding.”

The unfortunate circumstances represents a major disappointment for Stovell, who had been looking forward to leading his country against the United States, Canada and the Cayman Islands.

“It’s disappointing because I’ve been training all this time and put in the work and feeling good,” Stovell said.

“But the reality is that a head injury is very serious and I have a family I need to worry about. I have to do what I have to do.”

Despite his ordeal, Stovell remains confident that his team-mates can fulfil the mission in his absence.

“Even though I am not in the tournament, I still back them 200 per cent to get the job done,” he said.

“We can get over the hurdle which I think we should.

“Obviously it’s going to be competitive as nothing is easy at this level. But I just feel that if they play the game aggressive and play to their potential then we can get over the line.”

It remains to be seen who will replace Stovell as Bermuda captain.

Terryn Fray, of Bailey’s Bay, is the team’s vice-captain.

Meanwhile, on a brighter note Malachi Jones could be a late addition to the squad.

The experienced all-rounder was originally left out because of a shoulder injury that restricted his bowling for champions Somerset in Cup Match.

“It’s a possibility Malachi could be back,” Tucker said. “He has been doing some physio on his arm and is looking pretty good but it’s nothing final yet.

“He still has to do a fitness test and we have to get word from the physio to make sure everything is cool before anything is final.

“He will have a fitness test probably in the next day or two and we’re just hoping for the best.”

Bermuda will host the qualifier from August 18 to 25.

Double-headers will take place at White Hill Field and North Field, National Sports Centre, with the top two countries advancing to the final qualifier in Dubai in October and November.

Bermuda play their first match against the US at White Hill Field on Sunday, starting at 11am.