Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams collided in a terrifying incident while attempting to catch the same ball during a Big Bash League match between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers.
A scary moment unfolded during a Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers when Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams collided in the outfield while trying to catch the same ball.
The incident happened during the first innings at Optus Stadium in Perth. Perth Scorchers batter Cooper Connolly lofted the ball into the air, prompting both Cameron Bancroft and Sams to sprint towards it. Focused entirely on the ball, they didn’t notice each other until it was too late.
The two players collided hard, causing the ball to drop as Connolly managed to take two runs. However, attention quickly turned to the injured cricketers lying on the ground.
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After a few tense moments, Bancroft got back on his feet and walked off with a bleeding nose, while Sams remained down and was stretchered off the field. Medical teams acted swiftly, and both players were taken to the hospital for further checks.
The game was paused for 12 minutes before resuming. Commentator Mel Jones described the scene on Fox Cricket:
“There’s been a horrendous collision. Both players were fully committed, eyes on the ball, and didn’t see each other. This is what you don’t want to see.”
Despite the incident, Perth Scorchers ended their innings strong with 177-4, including Connolly’s unbeaten 43 runs from 31 balls. In response, the Thunder had to adjust their lineup, with Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen coming in as concussion substitutes for Bancroft and Sams.
This unfortunate clash highlights the intense commitment of players in the BBL, where every play counts. Thankfully, early signs suggest both players are on the mend.