(Image Source: AP)
[Saba Sports News] Melbourne Stars’ wicketkeeper-batsman Sam Harper experienced a training injury, being struck on the head while batting in the nets on Friday, January 5. The incident occurred at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during preparations for their upcoming match against Sydney Sixers on January 6 in the Big Bash League (BBL). Harper, 27, sustained the injury to his chin from a ball that slipped under his helmet’s grill while playing a cross-batted shot, resulting in a cut near his throat.
Peter Handscomb is now a potential replacement following Harper’s injury. With Harper out for the Saturday game against the Sixers, Handscomb, ex-Stars player and Victoria’s limited-overs captain, is expected to step in. Although not contracted for the BBL this season and scheduled to play grade cricket for St Kilda on Saturday, Handscomb may forgo this for a last-minute BBL inclusion. He is also set to lead the Cricket Australia XI in a three-day warm-up game against West Indies in Adelaide starting Tuesday.
Handscomb has previously played 51 BBL matches for the Stars from 2012 to 2020 and appeared in three games for the Melbourne Renegades last season as a replacement player.
Fortunately, Harper was conscious and stable when taken to the hospital by ambulance. He may be hospitalized overnight for observation and scans to assess his injury. Harper has a history of concussions, including incidents in 2017 and 2020 during Sheffield Shield and BBL matches, respectively.
The Stars are currently fourth in the BBL points table with eight points from seven games.