BBL 2023-24: Melbourne Stars’ Sam Harper hospitalized after getting hit on his head

Melbourne Stars’ Sam Harper to be kept under observation at hospital.

Sam Harper, wicket-keeper-batter of Melbourne Stars’ team in the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL 13) 2023-24, had to be rushed to the hospital after a nasty blow to the head in training.

Harper was batting in the nets with Stars squad at the MCG on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match against Sydney Sixers when he was smacked in the head. The training session was immediately called off.

He was hit in the chin while attempting a cross-batted shot, and the ball lodged under the grill of his helmet, causing a deep cut near his throat. The blood flow was immediately controlled by Stars’ medical staff.

Although an ambulance was summoned, he was conscious, breathing, and stable when he was brought to the hospital for additional treatment. He will most likely be kept overnight and subjected to numerous scans.

Peter Handscomb likely to replace Sam Harper in Melbourne Stars’ squad at short notice

As per ESPNCricinfo reports, Harper will be under observation in the hospital. His situation will be treated with caution given about his history of concussions. He suffered a heavy concussion in BBL in January 2020 when he collided with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis and had to be taken to hospital.

He was also hospitalized with concussion in 2017 when he was hit by a bat while keeping during a Sheffield Shield game. Harper will not be available for Stars’ game tomorrow against Sydney Sixers. Melbourne Stars do not have a backup wicket-keeper.  

Former Stars player and Victoria limited-overs captain Peter Handscomb is expected to be drafted in on short notice because he does not have a BBL contract and was scheduled to play grade cricket for his club side St Kilda in Melbourne tomorrow. He has also been selected as the captain of Cricket Australia XI, which will face West Indies in a three-day match in Adelaide beginning on Tuesday.

He played three games for Melbourne Renegades last season as a replacement player, having not been contracted. He has kept wickets for Australia in international cricket and played 51 BBL matches for Stars between 2012 and 2020.

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