(Cricket News) Melbourne Stars wicketkeeper Sam Harper was admitted to the hospital following a head injury sustained during training. The 27-year-old, known for previous concussions, is in stable condition but spent Friday night under medical care.

In a statement, the Melbourne Stars reported, “Scans have ruled out an acute fracture or soft tissue injury for Harper, who was injured while batting in the MCG nets last night. Harper incurred a laceration on his chin and neck while attempting a ramp shot, receiving immediate attention from the Melbourne Stars medical team. An ambulance was promptly called, and Sam spent the night in the hospital. Doctors will monitor Harper’s condition in the upcoming days.”

This incident follows a similar one in 2020 when Harper was hospitalized after a collision with Hobart Hurricanes player Nathan Ellis, resulting in a head injury. Consequently, the Stars have enlisted the services of Victorian wicketkeeper Peter Handscomb, who will replace Sam in the squad. Handscomb, a seasoned player with T20I experience for Australia, previously played 51 BBL matches for the Stars from 2012 to 2020 and spent two seasons with Hobart Hurricanes. Last season, he also played three games for Melbourne Renegades as a replacement player, not being under contract at the time.

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