Clampdown on bouncers unlikely despite Hughes’ demise, says ICC

Dawn News

ISLAMABAD: International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson revealed that a clampdown on bouncers was unlikely despite the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes last Thursday.

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

Richardson said that the ICC needs to try and keep its perspective, in light of moving further to restrict the use of the bouncer.

Richardson also said that people have died by being struck on the heart before, adding that he doesn't think cricket needs to over-react, but do what they could.

Current regulations permit two bouncers per over in Test matches and ODIs 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.

He said that they could extend the helmet a little bit further down the back of the neck.