By Zainab Shafiq 
Melbourne Stars’ wicketkeeper Sam Harper expresses relief following his recovery from a severe concussion sustained during a training session. The 27-year-old suffered a laceration on his chin and neck while attempting a ramp shot on January 5.
Harper, who has a history of concussions, faced distressing symptoms like dizziness and constant head spins in the aftermath. Despite the initial challenges, he is now in a positive headspace as his health gradually improves.
“The initial incident and the first few days after were pretty grim and pretty rough,” Harper told Fox Cricket on Monday night ahead of the Stars’ match against Hobart. “It’s not something I wish to go through again.”
The incident underscores the physical risks and challenges faced by cricketers, emphasizing the importance of player well-being in professional sports. Harper remains hopeful of obtaining clearance to play for Victoria in the upcoming Sheffield Shield matches after Melbourne Stars’ Big Bash League campaign concluded.
The concern extended to Harper’s family, highlighting the impact of repeated concussions on the player and his loved ones. The focus now shifts from the BBL to Harper’s potential participation in the Sheffield Shield, and his recovery marks a significant turn in his health and well-being.
“Unfortunately I’ve had a few [concussions] now so I knew potentially what some of the symptoms would be,” Harper said. “As people do say, they’re all very different. This one the first few days just getting over the dizziness and constant head spins.
“It was pretty bad the first few days so it was just getting through that and when I got over that it was a bit of a relief and things progressively got better from there.
“It’s always concerning and frightening, especially when you’ve has a few hits, in those initial few days.
“Distressing for me and distressing for my family. I’m just relieved and in a really positive headspace that things seemed to have turned a corner,” He added.
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