Stars allrounder Hilton Cartwright cleared of bad neck damage after horror BBL opener injury
Hilton Cartwright has been cleared of a serious neck injury, with the Melbourne Stars allrounder released from hospital following his frightening opening night in the BBL.
Cartwright was placed in a neck brace and stretchered onto a medi-cab in the Stars’ season-opening loss to Perth, after landing awkwardly while diving in the field.
The 32-year-old’s neck appeared to snap back painfully while diving for a ball on the boundary, before he lay motionless on the turn for almost five minutes.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The incident overshadowed the competition’s season opener, with immediate fears over Cartwright’s long-term health.
But the Stars confirmed on Monday morning that Cartwright had been released from hospital, and was in relatively good health with whiplash the only concern.
“Hilton Cartwright has been cleared of any serious damage to his neck whilst fielding in last night’s match against the Perth Scorchers,” the Stars said in a statement.
“Cartwright underwent scans and spent overnight in hospital but has now been released and will rejoin the squad in Melbourne in the next few days.
“A return to play will be determined once he is back in Melbourne.”
Cartwright will fly back separate to the rest of the Stars squad, depending on how sore he is throughout Monday.
The Stars play again on Wednesday night against Brisbane at the MCG, before backing up two days later at the same venue against Adelaide.
