Melbourne Stars has confirmed that Sam Harper suffered a head injury during a training session on Friday, January 5, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Although Harper is in a stable condition, he won’t be participating in the upcoming match against the Sydney Sixers.
The incident occurred in the nets, leading to the immediate suspension of the training session. Witnesses described the incident as ‘gruesome,’ emphasizing the emotional impact on those present, according to Australian reporter Tom Morris.
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The Stars released a statement through their official account, providing an update on Harper’s condition. The statement mentioned that Harper was struck in the head while batting in the nets and was subsequently taken to the hospital.
More details coming to hand: It’s been described by one witness as ‘gruesome.’ Several players were visibly emotional.
Harper has a long history of serious & occasionally bizarre head knocks. Tonight’s was his ninth (minimum). He obviously will not play tomorrow night.… https://t.co/OzBq6pcSpb
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) January 5, 2024
The club requested privacy for Sam Harper during this time and promised to share further updates when available. This unfortunate incident isn’t the first for Harper, who has a history of such occurrences.
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“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,” read the statement from the Stars.
Club Statement: 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.
— Melbourne Stars (@StarsBBL) January 5, 2024
This unfortunate incident adds to Harper’s history of head injuries. He was involved in a nasty collision with Nathan Ellis while playing for the Renegades against the Hurricanes in 2020. Harper had previously faced a head injury in 2017 when he was struck by Jake Lehmann’s bat while wicketkeeping during a Sheffield Shield match. Reports suggest that this incident marks the ninth such head injury in Harper’s cricket career.
