The results of an independent review into the death of former Australian Cricket player Phil Hughes have been released, finding that nothing more could have been done to save his life after he was struck by a cricket ball in the neck during a Sheffield Shield match in November 2014.
Following the incident, Hughes was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital, where he died a few days later.
A 62-page report, based on a review conducted by Melbourne-based barrister Mr David Curtain QC, found that Hughes’ treatment was appropriate after being struck in the neck, and the now mandated British Standard helmet would not have prevented the incident.
The report also found limited scientific evidence to suggest any current neck guard would prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in the future.
However, Cricket Australia said evaluations of neck guards will continue until a suitable one is found for the protection of players.
Guidelines regarding helmets have recently changed to make wearing the newly mandated helmet compulsory in all games run by Cricket Australia when facing fast, or medium-paced bowling. This is also the case for any wicketkeeper standing up to the stumps.
The final key point was that Cricket Australia have now made it compulsory to have a defibrillator at all grounds where a match is taking place in case any player suffers from a heart condition – whether that be due to an incident on-field, or something completely unrelated.
