The former Australia representative Peter Handscomb has replaced injured Sam Harper and will feature in the BBL 2023-24 Sydney Sixers clash on Saturday night.
Handscomb replaces injured Sam Harper
The Wicketkeeper batter Sam Harper suffered an injury in his chin near his throat during the nets session and was hospitalized on January 05.
The 27-year-old was attended by medical team staff before being taken to a Melbourne hospital, where he stayed overnight.
However, after the scan results it is revealed that Sam Harper has been cleared of a fracture and soft-tissue damage after being struck in the head. An official statement from Melbourne Stars said,
“Sam Harper was struck in the head whilst batting at training this evening at the MCG and subsequently taken to hospital in a stable condition. We ask that you respect his privacy at this time. The club will provide further updates when they come to hand.”
An official from the hospital said at 11 AM, “Harper will be monitored by doctors over the coming days.”
Harper had a concussion and was sidelined for a few weeks in 2017 after being accidentally struck in the head with a bat. He stayed in the dark hospital room from the injury.
In 2020, Harper was the first player snubbed out of a BBL game after a freak collision with Hobart Hurricanes player Nathan Ellis that sent him to hospital.
There is no timeline mentioned for Harper’s return from his injury. On this occasion, the uncontracted BBL player, Handscomb has now been signed as the replacement player.
Starts could run into trouble as Handscomb will be leading the Cricket Australia Xl in a three-day match against West Indies which is set to play on January 12.
Melbourne Stars has games on January 13 and 15 and are on the path to reaching finals after winning four games in seven matches they played.
Melbourne Stars and Sydney Sixers will play in the 28th BBL match at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
