The blow suffered by Adam Voges on his helmet once again brought into focus the dangers batsmen face while plying their trade. The incident also brought back grim memories of the Phil Hughes tragedy. Express takes a look at the measures that cricket has taken to protect players from head injuries over the last few years...
Struggling Australia batsman Adam Voges suffered concussion after he was struck on the helmet by a bouncer on Thursday, ruling him out of a domestic game and dealing a blow to his Test chances. The sickening impact from a bouncer saw him sink to the ground before gingerly walking off.
New helmet regulations
Latest helmets used by top cricketers are compliant with British Safety Standard (BSS). These helmets have a narrower gap between the peak and grille, and the gap is not adjustable, thereby reducing chances of the ball bursting through the opening. They are also reinforced with extra grill protection. Some designs do offer extra protection for the neck area. ICC could soon make it standard equipment all over the world.
Changes in rules after getting hit
In Australia, players suspected of suffering from a concussion are removed from the field instantly. They have no say in whether they want to continue or not. They are given on-field concussion tests and there are also concussion substitutes, meaning another batsman can step in for the player.
What is a concussion test
The most popular one is the King–Devick Test. It requires an athlete to read single digit numbers displayed on an electronic device. A baseline score is the cumulative amount of time it takes to read the three test cards aloud. Once the athlete fails this test, he is taken to the dugout for more tests. Computerised concussion tests, such as Cogstate, are also given.
BSS helmets don’t allow balls to burst through the gap
Battered and bruised
Eoin Morgan | Sept 13, 2015
Was hit on the helmet by a Mitchell Starc bouncer in an ODI. He stayed on his feet until England’s medical staff arrived but it soon became clear that he was groggy from the force of the impact. Starc, who had played in the match in which Hughes was killed, was visibly shaken.
Kaushal Silva | Apr 25, 2016
The 29-year-old opening batsman was struck on the back of his head while fielding in a Pallekele practice match on Sunday and was airlifted to a hospital in Colombo as a precautionary measure. Scans indicated he was out of danger.
Daniel Hughes | Oct 22, 2016
The New South Wales opener was struck on the grill of his helmet by a rapid Peter Siddle bouncer during a first-class game against Victoria and was left unconscious. After failing a concussion test, he was rushed to a hospital.