Australia internationals Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft caused huge concern following a sickening collision during a Big Bash League fixture.
Play had to be halted for 12 minutes as medics tended to the Sydney Thunder teammates in Friday’s win over Perch Scorchers at Optus Stadium.
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The incident happened during the 16th over of the first innings as the duo went to catch a ball which was sent high over mid-wicket by Cooper Connolly.
Sams was running in from the boundary, completely unaware that Bancroft, who was also oblivious, was coming back in from the infield.
It ultimately led to a head-on collision between the two, which saw both men immediately hit the deck.
Bancroft, who has ten Test caps for Australia, instantly held his nose, which was bloody as he exited the pitch following treatment.
As for Sams, he came off worse, with the 32-year-old appearing to be knocked out in worrying scenes.
After players frantically called for paramedics, Sams left the field on a stretcher with suspected concussion, with Bancroft walking off with assistance.
Speaking on commentary for Fox Cricket, a concerned Mel Jones said: “There’s been a horrendous collision.
“There’s concern here. Both players fully committed to the ball, eyes on it. Didn’t see each other coming. This is what you don’t want to see.
“Medical staff out there immediately. The major concern is around Daniel Sams.
“Good signs there as it’s Cam Bancroft on his feet actually walking off the ground.
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“Looks like some damage done to his nose. Such courage – it was all eyes on the ball for both of them.”
After 12 minutes, the match eventually resumed, with Thunder making two concussion substitutions, bringing on Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen for Bancroft and Sams respectively.
Sydney then confirmed that the duo, who have both been capped at T20 level for Australia, had left for hospital.
Thankfully, they stated that the pair were awake, but were being treated for possible broken bones.
An update from Sydney Thunder on X read: “Both players are conscious and talking, demonstrating symptoms of concussion and have possible fractures.
“Both have been transported to hospital for assessment.”
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After play resumed, Perth managed to pick up an impressive 177 runs, losing just four wickets.
But they ultimately fell to Sydney, who won the match on the last ball in the 20th over thanks to Sherfane Rutherford’s heroics.
A boundary brought Sydney to 179 runs, with Rutherford firing in three fours as he hit an unbeaten 39 from 19 deliveries.
