The death of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes in Sydney, days after he was hit by a bouncer on the head, is really tragic. His death has taken the cricket world by shock. The world of cricket has lost a budding star who was just 25 years of age. He will be remembered for his smile in and outside the field. His death is a void that cannot be filled.
Many players, including an umpire, have lost their lives by the hit of the five-and-a-half-ounce cricket ball. These tragic incidents are an indication that safety in cricket is still to be brought to the levels that are necessary. One hopes Hughes’ death will propel some action.
One of the steps that the cricket administrators and rule-makers of the game should consider is an outright ban on bouncers. After all, the infamous Bodyline had been tackled with firmness. Helmets are supposed to prevent such fatal injuries.The standards in the quality of helmets that cricketers use on the field also need to be upgraded.