The sad demise of the promising Australian batsman, Phil Hughes, who was felled by a bouncer during a domestic match, is a shocker. A game that attracts millions across the globe holds many hidden dangers for players. The incident shows that cricket is in dire need of reengineered protective gear for its players and strict adherence to safety measures.
Niyati Sharma,
Pilani
The fact that a young man was snatched away by death apparently for not wearing the latest model of helmet is a tragedy. This points to the need to ensure the quality and type of the protective gear that must be used to prevent such tragic incidents. R.I.P., Phil Hughes.
J. Annstin John,
Theni, Tamil Nadu
It is unfortunate that the game of cricket has turned out to be a game of gladiators. A bowler is supposed to target the stumps which are at the batsman’s knee level, not his head level. There must be a sustained campaign to ensure that ‘the bouncer’ is eliminated from a bowler’s armoury.
K. Ramarao,
Hyderabad
This incident shows there should be a system that must address emergencies and respond to them effectively. All players and umpires must undergo training in first aid. Investing more in this area will ensure that players are focussed on striving to earn sporting laurels.
K. Sai Bala Gayatri,
Kakinada
Nari Contractor very nearly lost his life after being hit by a bouncer. Raman Lamba was claimed by a cricket ball. The quality of player gear is important.
Jagmander Goel,
Pune
Please scrap bouncers as it was done for bodyline bowling. It is high time the ICC revisits the rules as batsmen are more vulnerable to this kind of bowling. Even in Formula One racing, fatal accidents are negligible thanks to improved safety standards for drivers. Bouncers may enthuse spectators, but they must not be at the cost of player safety.
Felton Vaz,
Tuticorin
The games of soccer and rugby have produced their fair share of on/off-field fatalities. It comes as a surprise that cricket, modern sport’s least brutal game and a gentleman’s game, often so boring that it induces sleep, should have caused an on-field death. The incident should surely cause cricket administrators to review safety measures. More young lives should not be lost.
A.R. Modak,
Johannesburg
