Cricket star raced to hospital covered in blood after being struck on the head as team beg fans to ‘respect his privacy’

A CRICKET star was taken to hospital covered in blood after being hit on the head by a ball during training.

Melbourne stars wicket keeper Sam Harper was treated in hospital following the incident.

GettySam Harper was rushed to hospital after being hit in the head by a ball[/caption]

He was conscious during the ambulance ride and is now in a stable condition.

It is believed he underwent further scans to determine the extent of his injury.

Melbourne Stars released an update which read: “Sam Harper was struck in the head whilst batting at training this evening at the MCG and subsequently taken to hospital in a stable condition.

“We ask that you respect his privacy at this time. The club will provide further updates when they come to hand.”

Harper, 27, was batting in nets at the MCG at the time of the injury.

He reportedly attempted to play a cross-bat shot but mistimed his effort, with the ball bouncing up and striking his chin, leaving a cut near his throat.

The training session was immediately halted as the Aussie received treatment.

Harper previously suffered a heavy concussion in the Big Bash League in January 2020 when he collided with Hobart Hurricanes bowler Nathan Ellis and had to be taken to hospital.

He was also hospitalised with concussion in 2017 when he was hit by a bat while keeping during a Sheffield Shield game.

The 27-year-old will be unable to play against Sydney Sixers on Saturday.