Ben McDermott details training mishap that saw him miss two BBL matches

Fresh off a matchwinning innings, a star Hobart Hurricanes batter has detailed the training accident that saw him miss two games.

Ryan Rosendale

@RosendaleRyan

less than 2 min read

January 2, 2024 - 4:07PM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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Former BBL player of the tournament Ben McDermott has lifted the lid on the concussion that saw him miss two games before returning with a matchwinning half-century on Monday.

The Hobart Hurricanes star batter top scored in the seven wicket win over Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena, with an unbeaten 53 from 34 balls.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 01: Ben McDermott of the Hurricanes plays a ball through the covers during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena, on January 01, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

A welcome return to form after posting scores of 11 and 4 in his first two games this summer, McDermott missed the following two matches after a training mishap.

While many were aware it was due to a concussion, McDermott has now given more detail surrounding the incident.

“I got hit in the head in training just before the Renegades game and failed a couple of tests, and then woke up with a really sore neck,” he said.

“That put me in concussion protocols which is eight days which meant I missed two games.

“It was unfortunate because I felt really good for the last game (against the Stars) but I was really sore (the day of) the Renegades game.”

McDermott showed no lasting effects against the Thunder and partnered well alongside the in-form Mac Wright (34 off 25) for an 85-run partnership.

“I was a little bit nervous coming back actually,” McDermott said.

“Coming off two low scores and then missing two games so it was nice to be back.

“I’ve seen him (Wright) do it for a long period of time. I’ve played with him at Lindisfarne Cricket Club so it’s nice to see him show Australia and the world what he can do.”

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 01: Hurricanes batsmen Mac Wright and Ben McDermott are seen during the BBL match between Hobart Hurricanes and Sydney Thunder at Blundstone Arena, on January 01, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Simon Sturzaker/Getty Images)

It was an important win for Hobart, who went into the clash on the bottom of the ladder with just one victory.

They now sit in fifth place ahead of three straight away matches against Melbourne Renegades (January 4), Brisbane Heat (January 7) and Adelaide Strikers (January 9).