Share

Bouncer ban 'unlikely' - ICC

London - A clampdown down on bouncers is unlikely despite the death of Australian Phillip Hughes this week, International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson said on Sunday.

The cricket world was in shock this week after Hughes died on Thursday, two days after being struck on the neck by a short-pitched ball in a domestic fixture.

"We need to try and keep our perspective," Richardson, speaking to BBC Radio, said when asked if the ICC would move to further restrict the use of the bouncer.

"It's a bit early to determine, but my initial reaction is that that's unlikely.

"People have died by being struck on the heart before. I don't think cricket needs to over-react, but do what we can."

Current regulations permit two bouncers per over in test matches and one-day internationals and one per over in Twenty20 cricket.

Hughes was wearing a helmet when he was struck, but the ball delivered by Sean Abbott hit him on back of the neck, just underneath the headguard.

Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist said that bouncers were all part of the game but that modifications could be made to helmets.

"I guess we could extend the helmet a little bit further down the back of the neck," he told the BCC.

"We've always thought it is maybe the temple, the cheekbones, the skull itself that we needed to protect - and that still remains - but now we are going to look at any ways of curtailing blows to the neck."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should the Proteas pick Faf du Plessis for the T20 World Cup in West Indies and the United States in June?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Faf still has a lot to give ...
64% - 469 votes
No! It's time to move on ...
36% - 262 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE