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UPDATED: Scans have cleared Melbourne Stars ‘keeper Sam Harper of any serious injury after he was struck in the head during a training session on Friday evening.
The 27-year-old – who has a history of concussion – was rushed to hospital in an ambulance after he was struck on the chin during a net session ahead of the Stars’ BBL clash against the Sydney Sixers at the MCG on Saturday night.
In a statement on Saturday morning, the Stars said Harper was struck while playing a ramp shot, but scans had cleared him of any fractures or soft tissue damage.
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“Harper suffered a laceration on his chin and neck and was immediately attended to by the Melbourne Stars medical team after being struck whilst attempting to ramp a ball,” the statement read.
“An ambulance was immediately called and Harper was taken to hospital where he stayed overnight.
“Harper will be monitored by doctors over the coming days.”
Stars players were left “visibly shaken” by the “gruesome” injury. The laceration on his chin is reported to have bled profusely. He was wearing a helmet, but the impact was underneath the grill.
It’s believed the 27-year-old Harper was not facing a bowler, but rather a member of the club’s staff using a ‘slinger’ – essentially a throwing device that simulates a bowling motion and allows the thrower to generate much more power than throwing with their hands.
Slingers are common at most cricket clubs across the country.
Harper was breathing and conscious when he was taken to hospital. In a brief statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Stars said Harper was in a stable condition.
9News Melbourne reporter Tom Morris reported those who saw the incident were “visibly shaken and emotional”.
The training session was immediately called off.
This is his third major incident in state-level cricket. Harper has reportedly suffered as numerous concussions dating back to high school football matches in his youth.
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In 2017, Harper was struck in the head by the Jake Lehmann’s bat while he was ‘keeping in a Sheffield Shield match at the Adelaide Oval.
Harper spent three weeks in hospital after that incident, and had to use a frame for a week before relearning to walk.
Then in 2020 while playing for the Melbourne Renegades, he suffered another nasty concussion when he collided heavily with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis while running between the wickets.
Ellis was backing up a throw at the stumps when he collided with Harper, sending the batter up and over his back.
Harper landed flat on his back, his head hitting the ground.
Unsurprisingly, Harper has been ruled out of the Stars’ clash with the Sixers at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Stars do not have a backup wicketkeeper in the squad. The stars confirmed Peter Handscomb – who does not have a BBL contract for this season – has been called into the squad.
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