The Australian and Kent cricket teams sent a message of sympathy and support to an elderly woman seriously injured outside Canterbury cricket ground.

The Ashes tour opener at St Lawrence ground was almost suspended on Saturday afternoon after reports the air ambulance would need to land on the pitch.

A 71-year-old was in Old Dover Road, near to Sainsbury’s, when a Mercedes C220 saloon car collided with her and several parked cars.

Despite an Australian win, the Kent team joined the Aussies to send a card to the woman in King’s College Hospital in London where she remains in serious condition.

Police and paramedics had been called at around 4.50pm to the crash which involved up to five parked vehicles.

Two ambulance cars and two ambulances were sent to the scene and despite calls for the cricket game to be suspended for the air ambulance to land, she was taken by road.

She had suffered arm, leg, head and pelvic injuries.

Police are now appealing for witnesses but say no arrests have been made and the driver of the car is assisting officers with their investigation.

Investigating officer Sergeant Glyn Walker from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “A number of people spoke with police at the time, but any witnesses who saw this incident, and have not yet spoken to police, are asked to contact our Witness Appeal Line – 01622 798538.

“We would particularly like to thank those members of the public who tried to help the lady before the arrival of the ambulance service.

“The incident did present difficulties for those trying to leave the Kent v Australia cricket game, and the patience of the public so affected was appreciated by officers managing the scene.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the appeal line on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.pnn.police.uk