Sam Harper, the wicketkeeper-battler for the Melbourne Stars, was struck in the head on Friday, January 5, when he was batting in the nets, giving the team serious worry.
The incident took place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where Melbourne players were preparing for their Big Bash League (BBL) match against the Sydney Sixers on Saturday, January 6. The 27-year-old took a hit to the chin while trying a cross-batted shot after the ball thudded beneath his helmet’s grill. Harper was struck in the area of his throat, cutting him.
Someone called for an ambulance. Sam Harper was, fortunately, stable and alert during his transfer to the hospital. It is acknowledged that the Wantirna native could spend the night in the hospital under the care of medical professionals. Additionally, scans will be performed in order to determine the full degree of Harper’s damage.
In case you’re not aware, Harper has a history of concussions. In a Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and the Victoria Bushrangers (now Victoria) in 2017, Jake Lehmann’s bat struck him as he was chasing down stumps. Sam Harper was involved in a BBL collision with Nathan Ellis, a bowler for the Hobart Hurricanes, three years later and had another severe concussion.
After Sam Harper injury, Peter Handscomb is expected to be called up.
Without Harper, the Stars have no alternative for a wicketkeeper. He will not play against the Sixers on Saturday. Harper’s backup will probably come from Victoria limited-overs skipper and former Stars player Peter Handscomb.
Having missed out on a BBL deal, Handscomb was scheduled to play grade cricket for his club, St Kilda, on Saturday. He would have to pass up that chance, though, if he received a last-minute BBL call-up. In addition, the right-handed hitter has been selected captain of the Cricket Australia XI, which will take on the West Indies in a three-day practice match in Adelaide beginning on Tuesday.
Handscomb played with the Hurricanes for a few seasons before joining the Stars in 51 BBL games from 2012 to 2020. The seasoned veteran was brought in as a substitute player for the Melbourne Renegades last season, but he was not signed. He participated in three games for the team.
After accumulating eight points from seven games, the Stars are now ranked fourth on the points table.
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