In a dramatic turn of events during the WBBL clash at North Sydney Oval, Adelaide Strikers wicketkeeper Bridget Patterson had to be taken off the field after a terrifying incident involving a blistering 119km/h delivery that struck her squarely in the face. The unfortunate blow came during the fourth over of a challenging run chase against the Sydney Sixers.
Strikers seamer Darcie Brown unleashed a formidable cross-seam delivery that narrowly beat the outside edge of Sixers captain Ellyse Perry, but then the ball took a nasty bounce, hitting an unsuspecting Patterson just below her right eye. The impact was immediately apparent, as the 30-year-old collapsed to the ground, grimacing in pain.
Medical staff sprinted onto the pitch to attend to Patterson, where blood was visible from the wound, raising immediate concerns among players and spectators alike. In a swift response, she was escorted off the field for urgent medical evaluation, with reserve wicketkeeper Ellie Johnston stepping in to take over behind the stumps.
The Strikers later provided an update, confirming that preliminary examinations of Patterson’s injury were encouraging, but that she would require further tests to ensure comprehensive treatment.
Reflecting on the incident, Strikers coach Luke Williams expressed relief, stating, “It was a nasty injury. Obviously, we were all worried about her, but it looks like she’s escaped major injury. It certainly was nasty at the time with the cut.”
Patterson, who took over the wicketkeeping duties from Tegan McPharlin last summer, had previously enjoyed a strong season, contributing nine catches and 12 stumpings as the Strikers clinched their second consecutive WBBL title.
Earlier in the day, the Strikers faced a challenging outing, bowled out for 171 runs after the Sixers won the toss and opted to bowl first. Patterson had been in fine form as she top-scored with an impressive 44 runs from just 32 deliveries, while Sixers spinner Ash Gardner showcased her skills by claiming four wickets.
Despite a valiant effort from the Sixers, who fell just 11 runs short of the 172-run target, Ellyse Perry’s explosive innings of 54 runs off 28 balls and Scottish wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce’s maiden WBBL half-century, scoring 62 runs from 44 balls, weren’t enough to clinch victory. Strikers leg-spinner Anesu Mushangwe stole the spotlight with an exceptional bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for just 27 runs in her four overs.
The Strikers are set to face off against the Sydney Thunder on Friday at North Sydney Oval, with the match scheduled to commence at 3:45 PM AEDT. Fans can expect another exciting contest as both teams strive for victory.
