Opinion Unfinished inning

The tragic death of Phillip Hughes, two days after he was felled by a bouncer, has triggered a debate on whether cricket is a safe game to play. There have been calls for a review of safety measures that are in place and there could soon be a demand to curtail the use of bouncers. The concerns are understandable but it must be recognised that it was a freak accident that caused the young Australian cricketer’s death. Even as they mourn, fans must know that there is no cause for panic or alarm.

Hughes, who as a 20-year-old scored centuries against a South African pace attack that included Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in his second Test, was an accomplished player of fast bowling. The bowler who delivered the killer ball was just medium fast and nowhere in the league of Steyn and Morkel. The pitch was in good shape and Hughes was wearing a protective helmet. He received immediate medical attention and, yet, could not survive the fatal blow.

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In fact, over the years, cricket has become a less physically intimidating game. Uncovered cricket pitches with uneven bounce and pace are now a thing of the past. Most of them have slowed to become belters. Since the 1970s, helmets have become an essential part of the batsman’s gear and rules now limit the the use of bouncers to two per over. Yet, the odd fatal incident occurs, reminding us that cricket, as Brian Lara confessed, is indeed a dangerous game. But, as he also hinted, the fear and danger that a fast bowler evokes as he runs in with the red cherry is part of the excitement.