Sydney Thunder opener Cameron Bancroft is excluded from the remainder of Big Bash League (BBL) season after suffering a broken shoulder in a horrific collision with teammate Daniel Sams. Both players were taken to a Perth hospital after the Thunder's last-ball win over the Perth Scorchers on Friday night.
While Bancroft's injury ends his BBL campaign, Sams has also been diagnosed with a concussion and will miss at least the next 12 days of cricket.
Bancroft suffers multiple injuries
Bancroft's injuries go beyond a broken shoulder. During the collision, the 31-year-old suffered a broken nose. His domestic season is now in jeopardy, with uncertainty looming over his return to cricket.
Sydney Thunder's General manager Trent Copeland confirmed that both players are in good spirits despite the severity of their injuries.
“Both players are in good spirits and well taken care of,” Copeland said during an interview with Channel 7. “The Perth Scorchers medical team and the hospital staff did an outstanding job all night. We are grateful for their support.”
How the clash unfolded
The incident happened during the Thunder's tryout on the field at Optus Stadium. Both Bancroft and Sams ran towards a ski shot by Cooper Connolly, but neither player saw the other coming.
The result was a head-on collision that left Sams lying motionless on the turf as Bancroft clutched his shoulder in pain. The game was stopped for five minutes as medical staff and an ambulance crew rushed to the pitch to treat the injured players.
Sams had to be taken off a medication, raising concerns about a possible serious injury. Fortunately, scans later confirmed that the runner avoided further damage beyond his concussion.
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Sams absence a blow to the Thunder
Sams' injury comes as a significant blow to the Thunder, who are currently second in the BBL points table. The runner's ability to hit the ball and deliver fireworks with the last bat has been crucial to the team's success.
He is expected to miss at least the next four games, with his return date dependent on how he recovers from the concussion.
Meanwhile, Bancroft's absence leaves a void at the top of the order. His injury spells a disappointing summer for the West Australian, who was in contention for a Test return at the start of the season but saw his form dip at a critical juncture.
Enter Oliver Davies
The Thunder had to turn to Oliver Davies as a replacement for Sams. Despite not feeling well, Davies rushed from the team hotel to check in. He managed to take three wickets in eight balls, but his presence helped the Thunder smash Perth's 177-run target off the last ball of the match.
The win lifted the Thunder to second on the BBL ladder, marking a remarkable turnaround after winning just one game last season.
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