Do bowlers need helmets? This Kiwi cricketer thinks so!
This New Zealand cricketer, Warren Barnes wears a mask while bowling in a match. Sounds odd? But Warren Barnes, who plays for Otago Volts, believes it is time that the ICC introduces protective gears for bowlers. The 25-year-old stated that New Zealand Cricket is interested in this concept and T20 cricket could soon see more of the same.
Why does Barnes wear a mask while bowling?
Head coach of Otago Volts is the reason behind Barnes wearing a protective gear. Barnes bowls with his head low and only sees the ball when the batsman has hit a shot. After having many close calls at the net, he followed his coach's suggestion.
Past incidents when cricketers got hurt
Australian batsman Phillip Hughes died after being hit on the helmet. This made manufacturers use redesigned helmets. England's Stuart Broad and Craig Kieswetter received facial injuries after being struck in 2015. Kieswetter retired after damaging his eye socket. Canterbury bowler Andrew Ellis was hit on the head last month. Bowler Luke Fletcher missed half of 2017 after being struck during T20 Blast match.
Will bowlers worldwide use masks?
NZ domestic cricket sees players wearing masks during training. After Warren's successful ploy in wearing the gear, cricketers especially those playing T20 global leagues may get tempted to use the same. The batsman-friendly format has seen umpires wearing helmets and bowlers now could wear masks.
