Accomplished Australia batters Steve Smith and David Warner could soon be forced to wear neck guards as Cricket Australia (CA) has made it mandatory for international and domestic players to do so from October 1. (More Cricket News)
Every Australian cricketer in the international and/or domestic circuit will be required to wear neck protectors fixed or fitted to the rear of helmets when facing fast or medium-pace bowling in all CA-sanctioned competitions, under the new playing conditions for 2023-24.
The update in regulation follows a week after all-rounder Cameron Green was struck by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer on the neck guard fixed to his helmet and substituted out of the first ODI against South Africa with concussion in Bloemfontein on September 7.
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The decision will impact several Australian players, including David Warner and Steve Smith, who have resisted using the neck guards since their introduction in 2015.
Usman Khawaja also does not currently wear the protectors when batting.
CA is expected to make wearing neck protection at international training and matches mandatory through a change to its clothing and equipment regulations.
The rule, however, does not apply to facing spinners or for wicketkeepers and close-in fielders.
The Australian cricket body had recommended the use of neck protectors since their introduction in 2015 following the tragic death of Phillip Hughes, but many senior players have been reluctant to wear them.
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Smith had earlier said that the neck guards made him "feel claustrophobic". He was not wearing a neck guard when struck by a Jofra Archer delivery at Lord's in the 2019 Ashes.
Warner said in 2016 that he “does not and will not wear" one because it "digs into" his neck and is an "uncomfortable distraction".
Australia international players will now be required to wear neck guards during both home and away matches.
Although international umpires won't enforce the regulation like in domestic cricket, players could face sanctions under CA's code of conduct for a breach of clothing and equipment regulations.
Among other changes, CA has removed the Covid-19 substitute rule from its playing conditions, in line with the International Cricket Council doing the same.
(With PTI inputs)
