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 ir 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 kw 

• 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 

ALSO READ: R Ashwin Backs Rohit Sharma To Score Big In His 'favorite Hunting Ground' During World Cup

Neck guards mandated for Aussies at World Cup

Cricket Australia (CA) has been recommending use of neck protectors since tragic death of cricketer Phillip Hughes in 2014. However, some top batters, including David Warner and Steve Smith, had been resistant to wearing m. As of October 1, 2023, all players participating in domestic and international matches, wher at home or overseas, will be required to wear se 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 importance of head and neck protection in cricket, stating that 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 risk of serious head and neck trauma among players.

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

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

Im: AP

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

ALSO READ: 'Captain's Nightmare At Death': Ashwin Reveals Virat Kohli's Take On Team India Superstar

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