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Clampdown on bouncers unlikely

London - Clamping down on bouncers is unlikely despite the death of Australian Phillip Hughes, says International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson.

The cricket world was in shock the last few days after Hughes died on Thursday, just 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," said Richardson, 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 overreact, but do what we can."

Modifications

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 below the helmet.

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 said.

"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."

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