Donald: Don’t ‘over-react’ over bouncer laws
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald has implored those who control the laws of the game to leave the bouncer alone, saying 'over-reacting' in the wake of Phillip Hughes' death would be an error.
Hughes passed away on Thursday after being struck on the back of the neck by a bouncer at the SCG, and the ball burst an artery in his neck, one of only 100 such cases ever recorded.
Donald, one of the Proteas' most fearsome bowlers, said a bouncer was not to blame, and that Hughes' accident was freakishly unlucky. He also said that helmets were safer than ever, especially considering the ball missed Hughes' helmet.
Donald said: "I hope it doesn't take this horrific incident to make the sport's bosses think that the only way to make the sport safe is to outlaw the bouncer. It would make for no contest if bouncers were ruled out of the game.
"As a fast bowler, you use your bouncer to intimidate, to send a message to the batsman, to make him think twice and to test various skills.
"I understand that many people outside of cricket will look at this and questions about safety will be asked, but we must not over-react. You see guys get struck flush on the helmet, and the worst they come away with is concussion.
"This is just stupidly freakish because Hughes was struck below the helmet, on the neck, in an area where the artery leads to the brain. It's heart-wrenching. He's so, so unlucky.
"The helmets they have these days are magnificent, I'm not really sure how they can make them any better."
Donald added his support to fast bowler Sean Abbott, the NSW paceman who bowled the bouncer, saying the youngster should take all the time out he needs, as well as get a lot of support.
Donald said: "He needs all the support that Cricket Australia can give him. He needs counseling because right now, he'll be thinking it's his fault and that is most certainly not the case.
"There needs to be careful thinking about the treatment he receives before he can get back out on the park, if he wants to get back out on the park."
Latest
-
NewsProductive conversations take place as Ashes resolution moves closer
The marquee series between cricket’s oldest rivals is scheduled to begin in Brisbane on December 8.
-
NewsMichael Holding calls on people to ‘stop being silent’ and ’embarrass racists’
The 67-year-old feels everyone can play their part by adopting an “anti-racist” mindset.
-
NewsAustralia’s Aaron Finch indicates Ashes series resolution is close
The one-day captain said he had sympathy for England’s players.
-
NewsGeorge Dockrell relishing batting up the order for Ireland
Dublin-born Dockrell is eyeing boundaries, not wickets, at the Twenty20 World Cup.
-
NewsEngland under fire from cricketing greats Ian Botham and Michael Holding
Botham suggested some players “don’t fancy” this winter’s Ashes while Holding accused the ECB of “Western arrogance” over the cancelled Pakistan tour.
-
NewsMichael Holding accuses ECB of ‘Western arrogance’ over cancelled Pakistan tour
The England and Wales Cricket Board announced the scheduled trip had been called off because of concerns over “mental and physical well-being”.
-
NewsIan Botham questions England’s desire to play ‘ultimate test’ in Australia
The five-Test Ashes series is in doubt due to strict coronavirus restrictions.
-
NewsHarry Brook wraps up prestigious end-of-season awards double
And Alice Capsey also underlines her status as a breakthrough star of 2021.
-
NewsSam Curran ruled out of England’s T20 World Cup squad due to back injury
The all-rounder has been replaced by brother Tom with their Surrey team-mate Reece Topley added as a travelling reserve.
-
NewsTymal Mills credits The Hundred with key role in his England recall
Mills was named in England’s T20 World Cup squad after starring in the 100-ball franchise competition.