Both players remained hospitalized as of Saturday morning. They will not travel with the rest of the Sydney Thunder squad on Saturday while they remain in Perth and await the results of a CT scan to assess further injuries.
Ollie Davies and Hugh Weibgen joined the Thunder squad as concussion replacements. Davis was in the team hotel with a virus at the time of the accident and was quickly taken to the ground.
The incident occurred in the 16th over of the Scorchers’ innings when Cooper Connolly hit Lockie Ferguson’s leg side mid-air. Sams sprinted down the infield, looking at the ball. At the same time, Bancroft also ran at full speed from the outfield. They collided with each other and knocked their heads together.
The Thunder players quickly ran to the two men, who were lying motionless on the ground and frantically gesticulating for medical assistance, which came immediately.
Sams appeared to collapse and was taken away in a small ambulance, while Bancroft was able to walk off the ground with the support of a physiotherapist, blood gushing from his nose.
The game was halted for approximately 20 minutes as Thunder captain David Warner and team coaches engaged in discussions with game officials.
“It definitely motivated us. We talked a little bit before we went out to bat and it was just for them.”
