Harper suffers head blow, hospitalised with heavy concussion

Victoria wicketkeeper Sam Harper was taken to hospital with a heavy concussion after he was inadvertently struck on the helmet by the bat of Jake Lehmann on day two of the Sheffield Shield match at Adelaide Oval.

Lehmann was facing the spin of Jon Holland shortly before lunch when he tried to swat a short ball to the leg side and struck Harper as his bat followed through.

Harper fell to the ground and was in considerable distress as he was treated by medical staff on the field of play. An early lunch break was called after he was assisted from the field and the resumption was delayed as several players were notably upset by the sight of Harper's struggles, included dry-retching and issues with balance.

"Harper was examined at Adelaide Oval by medical staff before being transferred to hospital for further assessment and treatment," a Cricket Victoria spokesman said. "Harper underwent scans this afternoon which have not identified any bleeding or bone damage, but he will remain in hospital overnight for observation.

"Under the Sheffield Shield playing conditions, replacement players are not permitted. In the event that a player is replaced, the match risks forfeiting First-Class status. Harper has been ruled out of the remainder of the match and Victorian Seb Gotch will travel to Adelaide to act as a substitute fielder."

Harper is the second Victoria player to be ruled out with concussion in as many matches, after the debutant Will Pucovski was struck by the ball during the previous fixture against New South Wales at the MCG. Pucovski, who has a history of concussion, is yet to resume training.

Victoria, meanwhile, dominated day two despite Lehmann's innings of 92, bowling the Redbacks out for 178 in reply to 184 before the visitors built their lead in the evening session. An unbeaten 58 from Aaron Finch carried Victoria to 4 for 198 at stumps, a lead of 204.