Concussion sidelines Canty opening bat
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 Wednesday’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 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.’’
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 onto the stumps after he copped a bouncer from Australian quick Billy Stanlake in Friday’s T20 triseries match at Eden Park. Chapman, who was out hit wicket, was able to walk from the field unassisted and played in Sunday’s match against England.
‘‘It’s really interesting for me,’’ Donkers said. ‘‘It’s different situations for different people. 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 beat Auckland, he could be considered for the final against Central Districts in New Plymouth on Saturday if cleared, Donkers said.
Bowes’ unavailability is a blow 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.
Should Canterbury make the final key performers Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry and Astle will be out, gone to New Zealand’s one-day squad to face England in Hamilton on Sunday.