Nottinghamshire's Luke Fletcher in hospital after sickening blow to the head
Sunday 9 July 2017 12:29, UK
A sickening head injury to Luke Fletcher overshadowed Birmingham Bears’ victory over Nottinghamshire Outlaws in the NatWest T20 Blast.
The Notts seamer was struck on the top of the head during his follow through when Sam Hain hit the ball straight back at him early in the Birmingham innings.
There had been serious concerns on Saturday night with Fletcher taken to hospital for assessments on the extent of his head injury.
Fletcher is expected to be discharged on Sunday.
Nottinghamshire released a statement on Saturday saying: "Fletcher was able to walk off the field of play and, after receiving treatment from the medical staff, it was recommended he go to hospital for a thorough check-up."
The T20 match was delayed for around half an hour before play resumed with the Notts players visibly shaken at seeing their injured team-mate being treated.
When the players returned to the pitch Birmingham chased down the 158 they needed for a six-wicket win but it was a dramatic conclusion with Michael Lumb fumbling the ball as he tried to complete a last-ball run out that would have earned the Outlaws a tie.
Nottinghamshire coach Peter Moores was able to provide a further update on Fletcher's condition after the match and was hopeful the bowler would be discharged in the next 24 hours.
"Luke has obviously got concussion but the reports we're hearing back are that they think he's going to be fine and hopefully he will go home either tonight or tomorrow morning," he said.
Elsewhere, Derbyshire made it two wins in as many days to start their Blast campaign as they beat Yorkshire by three runs in a thrilling encounter in Chesterfield.
Live NatWest T20 Blast Cricket
Wayne Madsen's 42 from 28 balls and Daryn Smit's unbeaten 30 from 20 deliveries saw Derbyshire post 165-8 from their 20 overs.
Imran Tahir took 3-18 as Derbyshire put in a strong fielding performance and when Adam Lyth (68) was dismissed, Yorkshire were left needing 18 from the final over.
Tim Bresnan got that down to four from the last ball but could only manage a single as the Falcons held on for the victory.
