The ongoing edition of the Big Bash League (BBL) has had plenty of power-hitting; perhaps a bit too much for a certain unlucky fan’s liking! During the group stage match between Perth Scorchers and Hobart Hurricanes at the Blundstone Arena, a spectator in the crowd was injured while trying to catch a six in the stands.
Crowd catcher injured while trying to claim Ben McDermott’s six
During Hobart’s batting innings, Ben McDermott smashed a full-toss off Andrew Tye’s bowling over mid-wicket. From the moment McDermott connected the hit, it was clear that ball was gone for a big maximum, and a fan in the crowd had his mind set on catching the ball.
Sadly, though, he failed in his attempt- somewhat hilariously at that- as the ball struck him on the head and knocked him down. In fact, the situation seemed a bit concerning, as the on-air commentators observed that the impact had caused his forehead to bleed. “Oh no, he’s got a bit of blood! We need some medic. He didn’t even realize.”, one of the Channel 7 commentators was heard saying.
Jason Richardson from the FOX network also sympathised with the fan’s injury. “Hopefully he is all ok. He’s in the hands of the medics. He was surprised, wasn’t he?”. Fortunately, a later tweet from Channel 7 clarified that the person involved was doing OK. Here’s the video of the crowd catch gone-wrong.
Lucky the fan on the hill is OK…
Because his missed catch has drawn blood ?#BBL11 pic.twitter.com/X0MTmDp7a2
— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2021
OUCH ? the Canes are smacking sixes aplenty at Hobart – and Old Mate tried to catch this one with his face… #BBL11 pic.twitter.com/rcpbzPgV7j
— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 14, 2021
Match Summary
Sadly for the Hurricanes though, that one-hit off McDermott’s bat wasn’t nearly enough in their pursuit of 183. McDermott finished as the team’s high scorer with 41, with D’Arcy Short (31 off 29) providing him some assistance, as the men-in-purple folded down for 129. England left-arm quick Tymal Mills was the pick of the Scorchers’ bowlers as he claimed 3/23 in his 4-over spell.
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Earlier in the game, it was thanks to a fine maiden T20 century from Mitch Marsh that Perth managed to score with such aplomb. He was ably supported by Laurie Evans (40 off 24) on the other end, as both the batsmen took down the Hurricanes’ bowling attack with their match-winning 67-run partnership.
Brief Scores: Perth Scorchers (Mitch Marsh 100*, Nathan Ellis 2/33) beat Hobart Hurricanes (Ben McDermott 41, Tymal Mills 3/23) by 53 runs.