Both players were scheduled to be released from the hospital Saturday afternoon after CT scan results showed no further significant injuries. They will remain in Perth, supported by the Thunder’s backroom staff, while the rest of the team travel to Brisbane.
Being from Western Australia, Bancroft’s family is in Perth while Thunder has taken Sams’ wife to stay with him while he recovers. A decision on when Sam will return to Sydney will be based on doctor’s advice. He is likely to miss the tournament.
“Overall, the players are in good spirits,” Thunder general manager Trent Copeland told reporters at the SCG. “In the last hour, we confirmed that the CT scans came back largely clear.
“Cameron is with family in Perth, the team staff have family with him in hospital. Chances are he’ll be out for the rest of the BBL. Dan Sams doesn’t have that luxury, away from home, so we’ve got his wife Dani over there today and some of our team. The staff has not been to Brisbane for the Heat match tomorrow night. Hopefully we will have some good news in the next day or two.”
Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen were brought into the Thunder team as concussion substitutes with Weibgen hitting a crucial six which turned out to be a last-ball victory. Davis was in the team hotel when the crash came down with a virus and quickly went down.
“Sydney Thunder would like to thank the medical and other staff following the accident, including the Scorchers, Cricket Australia and our own staff,” a club statement added. “Cameron and Daniel have received the best care possible and we will support them and their families as they recover from their injuries.”
The incident happened in the 16th over of the Scorchers’ innings, when Cooper Connolly hit Lockie Ferguson aerially on the leg side. Sams ran out of the infield with his eyes on the ball. At the same time Bancroft also ran full speed from the outfield. They bump into each other, hitting their heads.
Thunder players quickly rushed to the pair, who lay motionless on the ground, and frantically gestured for medical assistance, which immediately arrived.
Sams was stretchered off in a mini-ambulance, while Bancroft managed to walk off the ground with the help of a physio who was bleeding from his nose.
Play was stopped for about 20 minutes as Thunder captain David Warner and the team’s coach were involved in discussions with the match officials.
Tristan Lovelett is a journalist based in Perth
Leave a Reply