Renegades injury woes
MELBOURNE Renegades’ forgettable BBL season has continued.
Shaun Marsh will miss the rest of their campaign with a hamstring injury, while Sam Harper’s return remains unclear after his concussion.
Harper was released from hospital early yesterday morning after a short period of observation and will continue to be monitored by Renegades’ medical staff in the coming days to determine when he will again be fit to play.
The wicketkeeper collided heavily while batting and became the first player subbed out of a BBL match – replaced by Tom Cooper – during the Renegades’ four-run loss to Hobart on Tuesday night.
Harper, who suffered a serious concussion during a Sheffield Shield game in 2017, was assessed after toppling over Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis when attempting to complete a run.
Harper wasn’t the only casualty from the ’Gade’s fourrun loss to the Hurricanes, with scans confirming veteran opener Marsh suffered a grade one hamstring injury during the Renegades’ run chase.
Marsh, who has the secondmost runs this season behind Marcus Stoinis, will miss the remainder of the Renegades’ BBL campaign.
Renegades club doctor Trefor James said it was still unclear when Harper would be able to return.
“Sam left the field to undergo an initial assessment where it was deemed he had sustained concussion. He was then admitted to hospital for further observation and released a short time later,” James said.
“Sam is recovering well and we’ll continue to monitor his health over the coming days before determining a return to play date.”
Renegades coach Michael Klinger said Harper’s had been a freak incident.
“I’ve never seen a concussion in a cricket game like that, where it’s more football or rugby when someone gets taken out from underneath,” Klinger said after the game.
“It’s no one’s fault, but you don’t like to see anyone getting hurt.
“He didn’t look that bad when he came off the field so hopefully he’ll be OK. I think the medical guys made the right call, with him not passing that initial test.”
Captain Aaron Finch and bowler Kane Richardson are set to return to the side for the Renegades’ next game against the Sydney Sixers at the SCG on Saturday night.
After winning the BBL crown last season, the Renegades have won just two out of their 12 matches so far this summer.