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In a move prioritising player safety, Cricket Australia (CA) has announced a new rule making neck guards compulsory for all Australian domestic and international players. Starting October 1, those players who don't comply with this regulation will face disciplinary actions per CA guidelines.
The push for enhanced protection
Following the tragic demise of Phillip Hughes in 2014, CA had advocated for the use of neck protectors. Notably, top-tier batters like David Warner and Steve Smith are among the few who opted against them. Smith's own experience — a harrowing blow by Jofra Archer during the 2019 Ashes at Lord's — which resulted in a concussion, underscored the importance of protective gear.
However, as of October 1, all players, irrespective of their stature or preference, will have to wear these protective guards, be it in domestic matches or during international contests.
Peter Roach, CA's Head of Cricket Operations and scheduling, emphasised the importance of this move. "The safety of a player's head and neck is paramount in cricket," he stated.
Recent incidents accelerate protective measures
The new ruling follows shortly after Australia's all-rounder, Cameron Green, suffered a blow from a Kagiso Rabada bouncer, which hit the neck guard of his helmet. This incident led to Green exiting the first ODI against South Africa due to concussion concerns.
Prior to the 2023 Ashes, Smith had already started using a neck guard while playing for Sussex. Furthermore, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already made neck guards obligatory since October 2022.
This isn't the only alteration CA is introducing. The conventional six-run bonus for batters hitting the roof at Melbourne's Docklands Stadium during Big Bash League matches has been removed. Umpires will now have the discretion to award a six if they perceive the ball has gone beyond the boundary.
Furthermore, the practice of using COVID replacements for players diagnosed with the coronavirus has been officially halted.
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