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Melbourne Stars Sign Peter Handscomb For Injured Sam Harper For Remainder BBL|13

image-lr1kpc3sHarper was taken to hospital after being hit on head at training. (AP)

In a crucial move ahead of their Saturday's fixture against the Sydney Sixers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the Melbourne Stars have brought in Peter Handscomb as cover for wicket-keeper-batter Sam Harper. This decision comes in the wake of a frightening incident during a net session on Friday, where Harper suffered a blow to his head.

A key player for the Stars, the 27-year-old Harper was batting in the nets at the iconic MCG, when he was struck on the chin while attempting a cross-batted shot. The impact resulted in a severe cut near his throat, prompting immediate action from the Stars' medical team. Harper was swiftly taken to the hospital in an ambulance, where scans were conducted to assess the extent of his injuries.

Fortunately, the scans revealed that Harper did not suffer an acute fracture or soft tissue injury. However, he did sustain a laceration on his chin and neck. Despite being out of immediate danger, Harper is set to stay in the hospital overnight and will undergo further monitoring by doctors in the coming days.

“Scans have cleared Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper of an acute fracture or soft tissue injury, after he was injured whilst batting in the MCG nets last night. 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. 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,”  stated Melbourne Stars media release.



This is not the first time Harper has faced head-related injuries, as he has a history of concussions and head knocks. In 2020, he was involved in a collision with Nathan Ellis during a game between the Renegades and Hurricanes. The incident marked his eighth concussion, with previous head knocks dating back to his football days at Yarra Valley Grammar. Harper was also involved in a terrifying incident in 2017 during a Sheffield Shield match when he was struck on the head by Jake Lehmann's bat while wicketkeeping at the Adelaide Oval.

Despite not holding a current BBL contract, Handscomb has been called up to bolster the Stars' squad for the crucial match against the Sixers. The move showcases the team's proactive approach to addressing unforeseen challenges, ensuring they have a capable replacement for Harper.

Moreover, Handscomb has been named the captain for the upcoming three-day fixture against the West Indies in Adelaide, starting on Tuesday. With 81 BBL matches under his belt and a tally of 1265 runs, Handscomb brings a wealth of experience to the Stars' lineup. If given an opportunity, he will aim to contribute significantly in the absence of Harper.