Star Sydney Thunder all-rounder Daniel Sams is in serious doubt for Thursday's clash with the Hobart Hurricanes in Perth after suffering a head knock in Monday's loss to Brisbane.
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Sams was struck on the head by a Jack Wildermuth bouncer, but batted on after undergoing concussion protocols and compiled a hard-hitting 37 in his side's 8-174.
He was then substituted out of the game after displaying delayed concussion-like symptoms, not bowling as the lowly Heat chased down Sydney's score in the final over with five wickets still in hand.
It was the second time this Big Bash season Sams had been struck in the head by a bouncer.
Thunder coach Shane Bond said the in-form left-arm quick would be closely monitored this week ahead of Thursday's Hurricanes fixture, and Saturday's match against the Perth Scorchers.
"We'll see how he goes, of all the injuries that we've had so far and particularly with concussion you have to be reasonably certain, you don't want to put your players at risk," Bond said.
"You need strength across the squad, especially as the games come thick and fast at the back end, you never know what's going to happen.
"You might need to rotate someone out, you get some injuries. We feel like we have 19 very good players.
"Dan getting injured was a bit of a bummer, but we still had six full bowling options."
Sams' concussion potentially gives Bond a chance to reinstate middle-order star Alex Ross, who has recovered from a groin injury suffered early in the season.
"He's fully fit, and he's been fit for a couple of games," Bond said.
"Ollie [Davies] came in and did well and we wanted to give him a run of games, he earned that through his performance.
"When you've got someone like Ross sitting on the bench too it shows how much depth you've got. He's fit, the only injury concern for us now is Daniel is his concussion."
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Monday's loss to the Heat was only the second for Bond's side this season.
After notching four wins from five matches in Canberra last month, the Thunder sit second on the competition ladder and have emerged as a major contender this season.
"When you reflect on it, we're halfway through the season and we've won five of seven games which is a hell of an effort from the lads," Bond said.
"We probably need to win three more to get into the playoffs and four probably gets you to a top two or three spot. We need to turn up and play our best cricket at the back end of the tournament like we did last year."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
