In a scary incident, Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper sustained a blow to the head while batting during a net session. Harper plays for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL).
Harper sustained the injury while batting during a practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday. He was immediately rushed to the hospital via ambulance after the head injury. He is reportedly conscious and stable.
Harper was preparing for Saturday’s match against Sydney Sixers. He sustained the injury while attempting a cross-bat shot. Subsequently, he was hit on the chin, causing a severe cut near his throat as the ball lodged under the grill of his helmet. The cricketer’s medical team promptly attended to him to control the bleeding.
Following the incident, the training session was cancelled immediately. With no backup wicketkeeper on their list, the Stars may bring in former player and Victoria limited-overs captain Peter Handscomb at short notice. Handscomb, without a BBL contract, was scheduled to play grade cricket for St Kilda in Melbourne on the same day.
Harper was hospitalized after colliding with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis during a Big Bash League match in January 2020.
Notably, Phil Hughes died from bleeding on the brain in November 2014 after being hit on the neck by a rising ball from Sean Abbott while batting in a domestic match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.