Former Australian cricket team doctor warns more players will DIE if protective neck guards aren’t made compulsory after Steve Smith was knocked out by a vicious bouncer
- Steve Smith suffered a concussion after he was hit by a bouncer on Saturday
- The blow was reminiscent of the 2014 death of batsman Phillip Hughes
- Former Australian team doctor said players are reluctant to wear neck guards
- There is now increased discussion about making guards mandatory for batsmen
The former doctor of the Australian cricket team has urged batsmen to wear protective neck-guards in the wake of Steve Smith’s concussion during the Ashes.
Smith was struck by a vicious bouncer from the bowling of Jofra Archer during the second Test at Lord’s in London on Saturday.
Smith suffered a concussion from the 148km/h blow to the left side of his neck and is at risk of missing the third Test.
The impact sent Smith to the floor, in scenes reminiscent of the 2014 death of his friend and fellow Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes.
Doctor Peter Brukner, who worked with the Australian squad for 51 Tests between 2012 and 2017, said batsmen have come up with a range of excuses not to wear neck guards.
Smith was struck by a vicious bouncer off Jofra Archer during the second Test at Lord’s on Saturday
‘I find it disappointing that a number of our top players don’t wear them,’ Dr Brukner told The Australian.
Hughes collapsed at Sydney Cricket Ground after he was hit in the neck off a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match. He died from his injuries in hospital, three days before his 26th birthday.
Dr Brukner believes the protective gear should be mandatory, to ensure no one else loses their life on the cricket pitch.
‘Ironically, even some of the players who were there when Phil was hit don’t wear them, which astonishes me,’ he said.
‘I think it should be [mandatory]. It’s a rare event but for a relatively simple adjustment, if we can eliminate even one death, then it’s worthwhile.’
The 30-year-old (pictured with wife Dani Willis) suffered a concussion from the 148km/h blow to the left side of his neck and is at risk of missing the third Test
Archer – who delivered the bouncer – was laughing with teammate Jos Buttler (pictured together) while Smith was treated on Saturday
Moments after the delivery to Smith, bowler Archer was filmed laughing with teammate Jos Buttler.
Smith was forced to walk from the pitch after he was hit but returned to the crease to complete his innings after passing on and off-field concussion tests.
The former captain appeared shaken and unsteady during his brief return, sparking conversation about whether he should have been allowed to bat.
It was then announced further tests found delayed onset concussion and Smith was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne for day five.
Australian coach Justin Langer said Smith ‘doesn’t feel right’ wearing a stemguard.
‘I know they came in after the tragedy of Hughesy. He might rethink it now after seeing what happened today,’ Langer said on Saturday.
‘At the moment, the players have a choice and I wouldn’t be surprised if they become mandatory in the future.’
Doctor Peter Brukner, who worked with the Australian squad for 51 Tests between 2012 and 2017, said batsmen have come up with a range of excuses not to wear neck guards. Pictured: Smith is treated at Lord’s on Saturday
StemGuards were designed by helmet manufacturer Masuri in the aftermath of Hughes’ death in 2014.
The helmet attachments are recommended under Cricket Australia’s concussion and head trauma policy but not mandatory, although they are expected to become compulsory next year.
Smith and David Warner are among Australia’s batsmen who don’t use neck guards.
‘I along with a few other players in the team find it a little bit different, uncomfortable to what we’re used to,’ Smith said in London.
‘I feel a little bit claustrophobic when it’s on. I feel like I’m enclosed and not overly comfortable.
‘But it’s certainly something I need to probably have a look at.
‘Perhaps try in the nets and see if I can find a way to get comfortable with it.’
Warner noted in 2016 he does ‘not and will not wear’ a neck guard because it ‘digs into my neck, it is uncomfortable and is a distraction’.
Smith and David Warner are among Australia’s batsmen who don’t use neck guards. ‘I along with a few other players in the team find it a little bit different, uncomfortable to what we’re used to,’ Smith said in London
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