Australia and Melbourne Stars batter Hilton Cartwright faced a terrifying injury during the opening match of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2024-25 against the Perth Scorchers. The incident occurred while Cartwright was attempting to stop a boundary, leaving him in severe pain and prompting immediate medical attention.

The injury took place during the 13th over of the Scorchers' chase, with Cartwright diving to save a boundary off Cooper Connolly's drive at deep point. While sprinting to his left, Cartwright made an awkward landing on his left shoulder and neck, leaving him face down on the field. His teammate Marcus Stoinis rushed to his side, frantically waving for medical assistance.

After over 10 minutes of on-field treatment, Cartwright was helped off the pitch to a standing ovation from the crowd at Optus Stadium. He was fitted with a neck brace and taken off on a mobile cart, conscious but visibly in pain. Cartwright was immediately transported to the hospital for scans on his neck.

The Melbourne Stars provided an initial update on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Hilton has been taken to hospital for scans on his neck. We’ll provide everyone with an update when we have more information.”

After the match, Marcus Stoinis informed reporters that while Cartwright’s condition was concerning, concussion had been ruled out. "They’ve ruled out concussion, but he’s going to the hospital for some scans on his neck. I’m not sure about his neck, whether it’s precautionary, so fingers crossed he’s alright."

Stoinis also highlighted Cartwright’s importance to the team, saying, “He’s very important to our team. He’s the heartbeat of our team, but not only for us, with Western Australia. He’s a very well-respected guy. You don’t expect those things to happen, and it definitely put a dampener on the mood of the night.”