Melbourne Stars’ Sam Harper hospitalized after blow to head in training

Sam Harper, who is representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing edition of the Big Bash League (BBL), has been hospitalized after taking a nasty blow to the head during training on Friday (January 5). Harper is believed to have immediately been taken to a hospital in an ambulance, following the blow.

In what comes as a relief, however, it’s been confirmed that Harper was in a conscious state when he was being taken to the hospital.

Melbourne Stars took to Twitter to confirm the incident and asked everyone to respect Harper’s privacy at this point in time.

“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,” the Stars said in a statement.

This is not the first concussion suffered by Harper, who, four years ago, was involved in an ugly collision in a game between Melbourne Renegades and Hobart Hurricanes. There, trying to pinch a run, Harper landed awkwardly as the helmet covering the back of his head hit the ground. He was immediately substituted in the aftermath of the incident. 

"It's almost like vertigo, you feel sick and get very dizzy and start seeing stars quite literally,” he told Smh.com.au later, describing the incident. 

Harper also suffered a nasty concussion in 2017 in Adelaide, while keeping wickets.

In August last year, Harper was part of a developmental Australian side that spent close to two weeks in Chennai training at the MRF Cricket Academy.