Concussion sidelines cricketer
Canterbury opener Chad Bowes could be forced to consider his future in cricket after suffering his third concussion within 18 months.
The former South African under-19 captain, who is in his third season with Canterbury, will miss today’s 50-over Ford Trophy elimination final against Auckland after experiencing ongoing headaches.
Bowes was also ruled out of Saturday’s 168-run minor semifinal win over Northern Districts after receiving a ball to the helmet in an internal match last Tuesday.
Concussion has been a hot topic in New Zealand Rugby with Hurricanes prop Reggie Goodes the latest to retire last week after a run of head knocks. Bowes, an aggressive batsman, who aspires to become eligible to play for New Zealand, faces an uncertain future in the sport should his concussion problems continue.
Canterbury one-day coach Brendon Donkers said Bowes’ health was paramount and he would need medical clearance before any possible return.
Bowes tried to do some light physical activity on Monday and felt fine at the time, but was groggy afterwards.
‘‘He was light-headed and wasn’t quite his normal self.
‘‘There’s a little bit of a pattern to it as well. It seems to have taken him a little bit longer each time [with concussion] to get over the initial symptoms of it.’’
The regularity of Bowes’ head knocks and concussion symptoms was a worry. Donkers said there was a fearless element to how he played and opening the innings, he was prone to facing fast bowling. He sustained his first head knock during a Plunket Shield match in October 2016 and was hit again two months later.
Black Caps batsman Mark Chapman’s helmet was dislodged on to the stumps after he copped a bouncer from Australian quick Billy Stanlake in Friday’s T20 triseries match at Eden Park. Chap- man, who was out hit wicket, was able to walk from the field unassisted and played in Sunday’s match against England.
‘‘It’s different situations for different people,: Donkers said. ‘‘The best interests are for Chad and making sure he gets the opportunity to rest and recover. When we think he’s right we’ll make the call and get him back into our side.’’
If Canterbury can get past Auckland in the elimination final, he could be considered for the final against Central Districts in New Plymouth on Saturday if cleared, Donkers said.
Bowes’ unavailability is a blow for the red-and-blacks given he’s scored 200 Ford Trophy runs at 40 from seven innings. Canterbury will welcome legspinner Todd Astle back after missing the past two matches with a minor side strain injury.
Auckland will again be without the Ford Trophy’s leading run scorer Chapman (433 at 86.60) who will feature for the Black Caps in the T20 tri-series final across town against Australia at Eden Park. The Aces still possess plenty of talent in the batting ranks with the hard-hitting Glenn Phillips, test opener Jeet Raval, skipper Craig Cachopa and youngsters Sean Solia and Finn Allen.
Auckland is expected to escape the worst of ex-cyclone Gita with cloudy weather and a high of 25 degrees Celsius forecast.