Cricket Australia will make it compulsory for players to wear helmets when facing fast- and medium-paced bowling in games and at training after the independent review into the death of Phillip Hughes was released on Wednesday.
Helmets must also be worn by wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps and fielders within seven metres of the batsman on strike, but players fielding behind square of the wicket on the off side are excepted.
The review, conducted by Melbourne-based barrister David Curtain QC, has also found the now mandated British Standard helmet would not have protected Hughes from the blow to the back of the neck that claimed his life in November 2014.
Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a cricket ball on the back of his head.
Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a cricket ball on the back of his head. (Photo: Reuters)
CA is also looking at introducing a concussion substitute for players in all male and female domestic competition.
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The 62-page report found that there was limited scientific evidence that the current neck guards on helmets will prevent a similar tragedy, and need further evaluations before they are mandated.
It also said the treatment Hughes received after being struck was appropriate.
“The global cricket community was deeply saddened by the tragic death of Phillip Hughes and the great loss his family suffered,” CA chief James Sutherland said.
“We received Mr Curtain’s review last season and since that time we have been considering his recommendations and discussing with relevant bodies as to how we best make changes necessary to prevent an accident of this nature happening again.
“While there will always be a small risk we believe that the measures we have already taken and will enact following this review will reduce that risk even further.”
CA said it will cooperate fully with the coronial inquest into Phillip Hughes’ death, likely to be scheduled to take place in Sydney in October this year.
“We have had ongoing open dialogue with the New South Wales Crown Solicitor and have indicated that we will be as cooperative as possible with any coronial inquest,” Mr Sutherland said. (Andrew Wu/smh.com.au)
