Harper was training with the Stars squad at the MCG on Friday ahead of Saturday's clash with Sydney Sixers when he was struck in the head while batting in the nets.

While attempting to play a cross-bat shot he was hit on the chin with the ball lodging under the grill of his helmet, causing a severe cut near his throat. Harper was immediately attended to by the Stars medical team to control the bleeding.

An ambulance was called but he was conscious, breathing and stable when he was eventually taken to hospital for further treatment. He is likely to remain there overnight and undergo several scans.

Handscomb has kept for Australia in T20 international cricket. He played 51 BBL matches for Stars between 2012 and 2020 before playing two seasons at Hobart Hurricanes. He played three games for Melbourne Renegades last season as a replacement player, having not been contracted.