A cricket ball weighs 163g, consists of cork covered by leather, and is sometimes hurled at speeds of over 150kmph. But despite the damage, it can cause to a human head, the game has been slow to recognise the risks of concussion and other injuries when the projectile makes contact with the topmost part of the human anatomy.
But last week, the ICC approved concussion player replacements in all formats of men’s and women’s international cricket and First-Class cricket worldwide.
The decision was reached after trials over a two-year period and will be enforced from August 1 when the World Test championship commences with the Ashes series in England. With both teams expected to feature some quick and hostile pacemen, one can expect the regulation to be tested in the next few weeks.