During the Big Bash League (BBL) encounter between Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft collided on the field while both were running to attempt an outfield catch. This incident resulted in a prolonged interruption of play as medical staff assessed the players’ condition and ensured their safety before the game resumed.
Both players were later diagnosed with concussions and were taken to the hospital for further evaluation. As a result, Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen were brought in as concussion substitutes for the Thunder team.
In the 16th over of the first inning, Lockie Ferguson was bowling to batter Cooper Connolly, who chipped the ball towards the mid wicket. Sams sprinted in from the infield, keeping his eyes fixed on the ball, while Bancroft charged in at full speed from the outfield. The two collided head on, resulting in a heavy impact.
The collision occurred in the midwicket region as the duo converged to attempt a catch. Sams, running backward, managed to gather the ball, but Bancroft, approaching from the opposite direction, missed the catch.
The Thunder players rushed to the scene as the pair lay still on the ground, urgently signaling for medical assistance, which arrived without delay. Both players remained motionless on the field for some time after the impact. Bancroft eventually walked off with a bloodied nose, while Sams required immediate medical attention and was transported off the field on a medicab.
As a result, the game was paused for approximately 20 minutes while medical teams attended to the injured players and ensured they received the necessary care before being taken off the field.
The Perth-based team managed to score 177 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, due to powerful and elegant strokes by young Kiwi batter Finn Allen. Batters Cooper Connolly and Nick Hobson finished the inning by providing a near-perfect finish.
While chasing the target, Sydney Thunder lose early wicket of opener Blake Nikitaras. Captain David Warner (49 off 33) and Matthew Gilkes (43 off 36) managed to anchor the innings. Sherfane Rutherford helped the Thunders seal the victory by 4 wickets.
