Infotainment Factory: 'Gruesome' training injury puts BBL star in hospital

Melbourne Stars players have been left "visibly shaken" after 'keeper Sam Harper was rushed to hospital in an ambulance after suffering a "gruesome" head injury in training ahead of the club's BBL clash against the Sydney Sixers.

Harper – who has a history of concussion – was batting in the nets on Friday evening when he was struck in the throat region playing a cross-bat shot.

The impact is believed to have opened up a gash on his throat that bled profusely. He was wearing a helmet, but the impact was underneath the grill.

Sam Harper of the Stars attempts to runout Nathan Ellis of the Hurricanes during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Stars at Blundstone Arena, on December 28, 2023, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

It's believed the 27-year-old Harper was not facing a bowler, but rather a member of the club's staff using a 'slinger' – essentially a throwing device that simulates a bowling motion and allows the thrower to generate much more power than throwing with their hands.

Slingers are common at most cricket clubs across the country.

It's unclear whether Harper was struck directly, or if it was as a result of a top-edge off his own bat.

Harper was breathing and conscious when he was taken to hospital. In a brief statement on X, formerly Twitter, the Stars said Harper was in a stable condition.

9News Melbourne reporter Tom Morris reported those who saw the incident were "visibly shaken and emotional".

The training session was immediately called off.

This is his third major incident in state-level cricket. Harper has reportedly suffered as numerous concussions dating back to high school football matches in his youth.

In 2017, Harper was struck in the head by the Jake Lehmann's bat while he was 'keeping in a Sheffield Shield match at the Adelaide Oval.

Harper spent three weeks in hospital after that incident, and had to use a frame for a week before relearning to walk.

Then in 2020 while playing for the Melbourne Renegades, he suffered another nasty concussion when he collided heavily with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis while running between the wickets.

Sam Harper of the Melbourne Stars signs autographs during the BBL match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder at Lavington Sports Ground, on December 23, 2023, in Albury, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Ellis was backing up a throw at the stumps when he collided with Harper, sending the batter up and over his back.

Harper landed flat on his back, his head hitting the ground.

Unsurprisingly, Harper has been ruled out of the Stars' clash with the Sixers at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Stars do not have a backup wicketkeeper in the squad. Peter Handscomb – who does not have a BBL contract for this season – is expected to be drafted into the squad.