Sydney Thunder’s Bancroft, Sams taken to hospital during BBL thriller
Bancroft, who was running with the flight of the ball, did not lose consciousness but was clearly hurt.
Thunder players rushed in as soon as the incident occurred, with the two Scorchers batters stopping their running between the wickets out of respect for the injuries.
After some five minutes of treatment, a groggy Bancroft was able to walk off the field with the help of a trainer, blood streaming from his nose as he left the field.
Sams was treated by his team’s medical staff as well as an ambulance crew before being taken off on a medi-cab.
The Thunder later confirmed that both players had been concussed and were taken to hospital for further assessment, with concerns about possible fractures.
They were at least conscious and talking.
Cameron Bancroft is assisted from the field while medical staff attend to Daniel Sams after they collided while fielding.Credit: Getty Images
An ill Ollie Davies and uncapped 20-year-old Weibgen were approved as the duo’s concussion replacements by the match referee.
“Standing at mid-wicket, I saw everything,” Rutherford said of the collision. “I was going to see how they looked, but when I saw the blood, I turned back, because I’m not a fan of blood.
“I saw a bit of Dan Sams in the room. It looked like he was unconscious… It definitely was a motivation for us. Everything we did tonight, it was for our two soldiers.
“I told myself I had to do something for them.”
The Scorchers were 4-126 after 15.2 overs when play was halted while Bancroft and Sams were attended to.
Hugh Weibgen and Sherfane Rutherford of the Thunder walk from the field after winning the BBL match against the Perth Scorchers.Credit: Getty Images
Thunder spinner Chris Green (3-20 off four overs) played a crucial role in halting Perth’s momentum as the home side lost 3-8 in a mid-innings slump.
At 3-113 in their run chase, the Thunder were a real chance to pull off victory.
Warner’s dismissal in the 14th over when he was caught on the boundary was a huge blow, but some big hits from Rutherford were enough to get the Thunder over the line.
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“I had two plans,” Rutherford said of the final ball.
“One was to try to hit it in the gap and get two. But then I was like, ‘that doesn’t make sense, just let me try to smack it, and anything can happen’.
“I actually had an edge down the leg (to win it). It was a good night for me, and I’m happy we got across the line for the team.”
AAP
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