Daniel Sams ruled out of BBL after scary concussion and side strain, Billy Stanlake fractures his shoulder

A heavy fielding collision forced a key BBL all-rounder to be sidelined for 12 days, but another issue from the same game has ended his tournament as a key fast bowler also suffered a serious injury.

Big-hitting Sydney Thunder all-rounder Daniel Sams’ BBL campaign is over after succumbing to a “challenging string of events”, including a side strain suffered in the same match he was heavily concussed in a scary fielding incident.

Towering Hobart Hurricanes fast bowler Billy Stanlake is also finished for the tournament after fracturing his right scapula (shoulder) while taking a catch against the Melbourne Renegades on Tuesday night.

Stanlake grabbed at his shoulder and was forced from Ninja Stadium after taking the diving catch to remove Renegades opener Josh Brown, having bowled just a single over.

Billy Stanlake is injured while taking a catch (Photo by Linda Higginson/Getty Images)

Scans on Wednesday confirmed the worst leaving the Hurricanes, who are on top of the BBL table, without a striker weapon for the remainder of the tournament, including finals and veteran teammate Matthew Wade said it would require “all hands on deck” to collect the trophy after losing Stanlake.

“You have to develop teams to get players in the right positions, to get some momentum and continuity like we’ve got at the moment,” he said.

“The road for the team over the last couple of years, to go through those hard times and understanding what it feels like to be on the other end is really important once we get into those scenarios now.

“It comes down to experience and getting the right players together.”.

Sams will also miss Friday’s Sydney Smash at the SCG and the finals after the “side pain” he felt after leaving the field on a medi-cab as a result of his collision with teammate Cameron Bancroft in the field in Perth and the mandatory 12-day stand-down period for concussion wasn’t enough time to resolve the issue.

Further medical examination and scans confirmed a side strain injury that will rule him out for the rest of the tournament.

Having dealt with the double blow, Sams said he was “ super disappointed” to miss what could be a title-winning run, with captain David Warner leading the Thunder charge.

“I just want to express my gratitude and thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout my recovery,” he said.

“The messages of encouragement and care have meant so much to me during this time.

Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams collide. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I’m super disappointed not to be out there on the field contributing to the success the boys are having and being part of the push for the title, but I’m incredibly proud of this group and excited to see what they can achieve for the rest of the season.”

Thunder general manager Trent Copeland, said Sams could still play a role for the Thunder, who will next confront the Sydney Sixers in Friday’s Sydney Smash at the SCG.

“Daniel has demonstrated incredible resilience over the past week, and it’s unfortunate to lose him for the remainder of the season,” Copeland said.

“His contributions on and off the field have been invaluable, but his health and recovery must come first. The entire team is behind him, and we’ll be supporting him every step of the way.

“Daniel has been a cornerstone of this club for years and is highly respected by everyone in the squad. While he won’t be out on the field, he’ll remain an integral part of our group.

“His calm demeanour, wealth of experience, and leadership qualities will be crucial in the changeroom as we push through the remaining matches.”

Originally published as Daniel Sams ruled out of BBL after scary concussion and side strain, Billy Stanlake fractures his shoulder