A dramatic incident occurred during the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL 2024-25) match between Sydney Thunder and Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium in Perth on January 3, when Australian cricketers Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft collided on the field.
The nasty collision occurred in the 16th over of the Perth Scorchers' innings as the Sydney Thunder spinners raced towards a high ball hit by Cooper Connolly at mid-wicket for Perth. Neither of them noticed the other approaching, resulting in a head-on collision that left both cricketers lying on the ground. They were quickly transferred to a nearby hospital to receive medical care.
Daniel Sams and Cameron Bancroft were injured in a horrific on-field accident during BBL 2024-25
Later, Sydney Thunder issued an official statement confirming the injuries resulting from the horrific collision during the Big Bash League 2024-25 (BBL 2024-25) tournament against the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium in Perth. Sydney Thunder have revealed that Cameron Bancroft has suffered a concussion, a broken nose and a fractured right shoulder.
This was like a car accident, a very bad accident 😳 #bubble14 pic.twitter.com/CdbzVzVJGz
– Jake Flagies 23 🏆🖤🤍 (@IncredibleBozza) January 3, 2025
On the other hand, Australian all-rounder Daniel Sams has suffered a concussion and will follow Cricket Australia's guidelines to return to play, the BBL club has confirmed. Both cricketers were released from hospital on Saturday, January 4, and the Thunder have assured them of their care.
Meanwhile, Daniel Sams took to Instagram to update fans on his recovery following an on-field collision during the Big Bash League 2024-25. He expressed his gratitude for the support he received, and thanked the medical teams from Sydney Thunder, Perth Scorchers and Cricket Australia for their care.
I'm on the mend and can't wait to come back: Danielle Sams
The Australian cricketer also reassured everyone that he is recovering well and looking forward to returning to action soon, while also cheering for his team in their upcoming BBL 2024-25 match against Brisbane Heat on Monday, January 6 at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Daniel Sams posted on his Instagram account: “Thank you for all the well wishes over the past couple of days. It has given me so much gratitude for the support I have around me. Thank you so much to the Sydney Thunder staff, the Perth Scorchers staff and the medical staff in California for taking care of me and Cameron. I'm in great shape.” “It's getting better and I can't wait to get back. Be well tonight, guys.”
Update from Daniel Sams via his Instagram story.
“I'm on the mend and can't wait to get back.” 💚 #bubble14 pic.twitter.com/pXf7s93IQC
– KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) January 6, 2025
Following the incident, the Sydney Thunder made the surprise move to bring Daniel Christian out of retirement for the remainder of the current 2024-25 season. They were already struggling with injuries to Tanveer and Jason Sangha and were dealt further blows by the clash between Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams in the ongoing tournament.
Daniel Christian comes out of retirement to help Cindy Thunder
While Cameron Bancroft will miss the ongoing 2024-25 Big Bash League tournament with a broken nose and shoulder, Daniel Sams will be sidelined for at least two weeks, forcing Daniel Christian to come out of retirement to help the Thunder in the tournament.
“The incident with Cam Bancroft and Dan Sams was very unfortunate, but I am truly grateful for the opportunity I was given,” Christian said in a Thunder statement. “I wish them all the best in their recovery and hope they are back in the park soon.”
The team is in tomorrow's match against @hit bbl Road Safety Cup 🏆
The partnership between TfNSW, Thunder, Transport and Main Roads QLD and @hit bbl Highlights the shared commitment to reduce road trauma. pic.twitter.com/5Skv3TdWkM
– Sydney Thunder (@ThunderBBL) January 5, 2025