Cricket Australia has introduced a mandatory rule for international and domestic players, effective from October 1, requiring the use of neck guards on helmets when facing fast or medium pace bowling in all CA-sanctioned competitions. This regulation update follows an incident where all-rounder Cameron Green was struck by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer on the neck guard of his helmet and was subsequently substituted out of a match due to concussion.
Notably, this change will affect Australian players like David Warner and Steve Smith, who had previously resisted wearing neck guards since their introduction in 2015. Usman Khawaja is also among those who currently do not use neck protectors when batting. Cricket Australia plans to enforce this rule at international training and matches by amending its clothing and equipment regulations.
However, it’s important to mention that this rule doesn’t apply when facing spin bowlers or for wicketkeepers and fielders in close proximity. The recommendation for neck protectors was initially made in 2015 after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, but some veteran players had been hesitant to adopt them.
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Steve Smith had previously expressed discomfort with neck guards, describing them as making him “feel claustrophobic.” Similarly, David Warner had stated in 2016 that he would not wear one because it felt uncomfortable and dug into his neck, calling it a distraction.
While international umpires won’t actively enforce this regulation as they do in domestic cricket, players could still face sanctions under Cricket Australia’s code of conduct for violating clothing and equipment regulations. Additionally, Cricket Australia has removed the COVID-19 substitute rule from its playing conditions, aligning with changes made by the ICC.