Melbourne Stars batter Sam Harper was hospitalised following an injury during training. Fortunately, the wicketkeeper-batter was conscious and stable as he was transported to the hospital.
Harper was practicing with the Stars squad at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday in preparation for their upcoming match against Sydney Sixers when he suffered a head injury while batting in the nets.
"Sam Harper was struck in the head whilst batting at training this evening at the MCG and subsequently taken to hospital in a stable condition. We ask that you respect his privacy at this time. The club will provide further updates when they come to hand," Melbourne Stars said in a brief statement.
Attempting a cross-bat shot, he was struck on the chin, and the ball lodged under the grille of his helmet, causing a severe cut near his throat. The Stars medical team promptly attended to him to control the bleeding.
Though an ambulance was called, Harper was conscious, breathing, and stable when taken to the hospital for further treatment. He is expected to stay overnight and undergo several scans.
Due to his history of concussions, Harper's situation will be approached with caution as the franchise does not want to take any risks with the wicketkeeper batter.
In January 2020, he experienced a significant concussion during a Big Bash League (BBL) match when he collided with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis and had to be hospitalised. Meanwhile, in 2017, he was, once again, hospitalized with a concussion after being hit by a bat while keeping during a Sheffield Shield game.
Harper will be unable to play in the upcoming match, and the Stars lack a backup wicketkeeper on their roster. Former Stars player and Victoria limited-overs captain Peter Handscomb may be drafted in as a replacement, given his availability and experience as a wicketkeeper in T20 international cricket.
Handscomb, who played for the Stars from 2012 to 2020 and later with Hobart Hurricanes, has not been contracted for this BBL season. He is currently set to captain the Cricket Australia XI in a three-day game against West Indies starting on Tuesday and was originally scheduled to play grade cricket for his club side, St Kilda, in Melbourne tomorrow.
