THE proposition of compulsory helmets has been welcomed by Ballarat’s leading cricketers.
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Speaking to The Courier on Wednesday, several leading Ballarat Cricket Association players said they would be in support of compulsory helmets.
Even cricketers who had not traditionally worn helmets, as well as fast bowlers, felt it would be a good idea for them to be mandatory.
Brown Hill captain and feared speedster Shane Harwood said he had been on both ends of blows to the head, as a bowler and a batsman.
In 2009 he bowled a short ball that struck South Australian Tom Cooper in the side of the head, fracturing his skull.
“It’s a terrible feeling when you hit someone on the head, but it’s part of cricket,” Harwood said.
“I would like every batsmen I bowl to to be wearing a helmet, but they need to be better made and protect the back of the neck.
“If batsmen actually keep an eye on the ball and not turn their heads, it’s hard to get it.
“I think you will see natural progression as more and more juniors come through that have always worn them.”
Darley captain Matt Cape does not wear a helmet – even against fast bowlers – and said it was unlikely that would change in the near future.
He said authorities had to be careful to ensure they did not react too suddenly to the horrific Phillip Hughes injury, but felt any changes would be welcomed across the board.
“There’s only three of four guys that don’t wear them now anyway,” Cape said.
“A lot of blokes take them off for spinners but wear them for the quicks. The only guys that wouldn’t wear them would be the older guys that grew up when you didn’t need to.”
Mt Clear veteran Paull Jeffrey played without a helmet for more than 20 years but in recent seasons has opted for protection.
“Getting older, my reflexes have probably slowed down a bit so you need to have that protection,” Jeffrey said.
The BCA will discuss the possibility of making helmets mandatory at a board meeting next week.
pactrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au