Shocking details emerge after Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper was hospitalized following a training incident that left spectators 'visibly shaken and emotional'
- Star cricketer Sam Harper was rushed to hospital on Friday
- Was hit on the head in MCG nets in front of teammates
- The 27-year-old will now undergo further medical tests
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper is recovering in hospital after being hit on the head by a cricket ball while batting in training.
It is understood Harper, 27, suffered a cut to his chin and neck in the MCG nets on Friday.
Paramedics were immediately called, and teammates were said to be 'visibly shaken and emotional'.
The incident is said to have brought back memories of former Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who died in November 2014 after being hit in the neck by a cricket ball during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG.
“Sam Harper was hit in the head during training at the MCG and subsequently taken to hospital in a stable condition,” the Stars posted on their social media platforms.
Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper is recovering in hospital after being hit on the head by a ball while batting in training
It is understood Harper, 27, was cut to his chin and neck in the MCG nets on Friday, with paramedics immediately called
The incident is said to have brought back memories of former Australian batsman Phil Hughes, who died in 2014 after being hit in the neck by a cricket ball during a Sheffield Shield match.
The right-hander wasn't facing legitimate bowling when he was hit – he was hitting throwdowns from a slingshot that batting coaches often use in the nets.
Harper will now undergo a series of medical tests and will not feature for the Stars in Saturday night's BBL match against the Sydney Sixers at the MCG.
The former Melbourne Renegades player – who has a history of concussions – was sidelined for several weeks in 2017.
It came after South Australia's Jake Lehmann accidentally hit him on the head with his bat when Harper was behind the stumps for Victoria.
Harper then spent nearly a month in a dark hospital room and initially required a walker.
He called it “the worst three weeks” of his life.
In 2020, Harper was also taken to hospital after hitting his head on the ground in a bizarre collision with Hobart Hurricanes player Nathan Ellis while playing for the Renegades in the Big Bash.