ECB considers raft of safety changes

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By Ollie Ritchie

England's Cricket Board (ECB) is considering a raft of changes to make the sport safer, including the compulsory use of helmets for close in-fielders and umpires.

Former international umpire Tony Hill says he can see the benefits of helmets.

"I'm a fan of the protection, it's just how you organise it, what you do, what type of mask you're going to have."

But some within the game think that's a step too far. New Zealand Cricket head Lindsey Crocker is wary of wrapping players up in cotton wool and Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum wants players to have a choice.

"I think it's up to the guys who want [it]," McCullum says. "They use what they want. Some guys bat without a helmet at times, so I think it's pretty tough to try and blanket-rule that."

The death of Australian cricketer Phil Hughes has already seen some measures put in place.

The immediate and obvious changes were the add-ons to the back of the Masuri helmets. The grille has moved back and the add-ons will protect batsmen behind the ear – the exact area Hughes was hit in.

The ECB is expected to release more details of its planned changes in the New Year.

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