Sam Harper

A right-handed wicketkeeper batter, Sam Harper took the conventional route through the Australian ranks. He attended the Australian Center of Excellence in Melbourne and was a part of the Australian squad for the 2014 U-19 World Cup.

After impressive showing with the bat during the U-19 World Cup, Harper was handed a rookie contract by Victorian Bushrangers. In February 2016, he made his much-awaited first-class debut for Victoria, but had an average outing, scoring just 21 in the first innings. However, he showed his class behind the stumps with nine dismissals, the most on debut by any wicket-keeper in Sheffield Shield history.

He was roped in by the Melbourne Stars ahead of the 2016-17 Big Bash League season. Harper eventually made his T20 debut for the Stars against the Hobart Hurricanes in December 2016.

It was a mixed campaign for him during his maiden BBL season. He failed to capitalise with a bat in hand but showed tremendous wicket-keeping skills which impressed everyone. 

After two seasons with the Stars, Harper switched alliances with the Renegades and joined their squad ahead of the 2018-19 season.

So far, Harper has played 21 FC games and has amassed 674 runs, at an average of 24.96. He clearly needs to improve his first-class numbers and has to work on the loopholes in his batting. Still young at the moment, Harper has the tools to succeed at the highest level.

(As of November 2021)