Cricket Australia makes neck guards compulsory for domestic and international players

In a significant move to enhance player safety in cricket, Australians will be required to wear neck protectors on their helmets when facing fast or medium-paced bowling starting from October. This decision is part of a series of changes to playing conditions set to take effect for Australia's 2023/24 domestic and international cricket seasons. 

3 things you need to know 

• David Warner and Steve Smith had been resistant to wearing neck guards
• Cameron Green was recently struck by a bouncer in SA vs AUS ODIs 
• Failure to comply with new rules will result in sanctions 

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Neck guards mandated for Aussies at World Cup

Cricket Australia (CA) has been recommending the use of neck protectors since the tragic death of cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014. However, some top batters, including David Warner and Steve Smith, had been resistant to wearing them. As of October 1, 2023, all players participating in domestic and international matches, whether at home or overseas, will be required to wear these neck protectors. Failure to comply with this new rule may result in sanctions imposed by Cricket Australia.

Peter Roach, CA's Head of Cricket Operations and Scheduling, emphasised the importance of head and neck protection in cricket, stating that the decision to make neck protectors mandatory was based on extensive advice and consultation with experts and stakeholders. This move aims to prevent catastrophic injuries like those suffered by Phillip Hughes and reduce the risk of serious head and neck trauma among players.

"Protecting the head and neck is extremely important in our sport," Roach said in a statement. "The neck protector product has come a long way in recent years and the decision to make them mandatory comes off the back of a lot of advice and consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders."

The decision comes on the heels of a recent incident involving Cameron Green, who was struck by a bouncer on the neck guard of his helmet during a match against South Africa. Green had to be substituted out of the game due to concussion, underscoring the importance of adequate protection for players.

Image: AP

In addition to the introduction of mandatory neck protectors, other changes to playing conditions were also announced. One significant alteration is the elimination of the automatic six runs awarded to batters who hit the roof of Melbourne's Docklands Stadium during Big Bash League (BBL) matches. 

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Umpires will now use their judgment to decide whether a ball would have cleared the boundary and, accordingly, award six runs. Furthermore, the use of Covid-19 substitutes, which allowed players testing positive for the coronavirus to be replaced, has been discontinued.