A jolting collision involving Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams suddenly terminated the Perth Scorchers match against the Sydney Thunder of Big Bash League in Optus Stadium. This clash happened on the 16th over when Bancroft from the Perth Scorchers came to the middle and resulted in both getting dazed and getting to the hospital soon.
It was the dramatic moment of the game when Cooper Connolly lofted a shot off Lockie Ferguson toward the leg side. Sams dashed in from the infield with his focus on the ball while Bancroft came charging in at full speed from the outfield. Neither of the players saw the other in time, and thus they collided head-on, leaving both sprawled on the ground, visibly distressed.
The Sydney Thunder players and match officials rushed to the scene, calling for immediate medical assistance. Sams, reportedly unconscious after the impact, was stretchered off in a mini-ambulance. Bancroft, bleeding heavily from his nose, managed to walk off the field with support from the team’s physiotherapist.
Watch the video here:
A worrying moment! A collision between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams 😱pic.twitter.com/KWslCD8Hcw
— Hanzala Razi 𝕏 (@ihanzalarazi) January 3, 2025
Sydney Thunder Provides Key Update
Sydney Thunder took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted, “Both Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams have been removed from tonight’s BBL game after showing concussion symptoms and possible fractures. Both are awake and taken to the hospital for further evaluation.”
Update. pic.twitter.com/in74wgISSO
— Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 3, 2025
Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen replaced the players who suffered from concussions.
The game has been suspended for nearly about 20 minutes as Thunder skipper David Warner and his coaching staff met with the match officials. The stadium remained tense as the two spectator anxiously awaited news on their injured friends.
Despite the disturbing incident, the match continued, as Sydney Thunder added concussion substitutions with Bancroft and Sams ruled out strictly under the protocols set to protect the players’ safety.
Match Highlights Amidst Disruption
Before the game, Daniel Sams had already bowled three overs, with 25 runs conceded. They were able to limit the Scorchers to 177 and took four wickets.
Chasing the target, Sydney Thunder chased down the target very well. Their captain David Warner scored 49 off 33 balls. In addition, Sherfane Rutherford was also unbeaten at 39 off 19 balls.
This incident is the latest in a string of injuries in the BBL season, including an earlier one when Hilton Cartwright was stretchered off after a fielding mishap at the same venue. As player safety remains in the limelight, Sydney Thunder, third on the BBL table, will be keenly watching Bancroft and Sams’ recovery.
ALSO READ | Watch | Novak Djokovic Honors Daughter’s Violin And Son’s Saxophone With Unique Victory Celebrations
