Phil Hughes RIP

[Coalman]

Died playing the sport he loved.

More deserving of this than that Fraser chap.

Only 25.

Sad.

[Unix]

Very sad news. Wondering why the helmets are designed to allow this to happen?

[d000hg]

I don't think they are designed to allow this to happen. The fact it's headline news when cricket is played so widely suggests this is a freak occurrence.

[mudskipper]

He apparently wasn't wearing the latest helmet design. But whether or not that would have made a difference is speculation.

[SimonMac]

He apparently wasn't wearing the latest helmet design. But whether or not that would have made a difference is speculation.

I think there might be a bit of the manufacture trying to distance itself from perceived liability there.

Its a tragedy none the less

[MaryPoppins]

I assumed it'd be difficult for the helmets to cover that part of the lower head, as it might impact the ability to turn your head etc while playing.

[DaveB]

I don't think they are designed to allow this to happen. The fact it's headline news when cricket is played so widely suggests this is a freak occurrence.

According to the BBC there have only been 100 recorded cases of the injury that killed him - dissected vertebral artery - and only one caused by a cricket ball.

It's a tulipty thing to happen, but not one I think anyone could reasonably have foreseen.

Got to feel for the poor guy that bowled the ball as well. I'd be surprised if he ever plays again.

[Coalman]

Thats what most of the players are saying.

It just looks like a freak tragic accident.

Feel sorry for all involved. God knows what the bowler is feeling.

BAH - DaveB posted my thoughts at the same time!

[Unix]

I don't think they are designed to allow this to happen. The fact it's headline news when cricket is played so widely suggests this is a freak occurrence.

Yeah throwing a hard ball very fast bouncing just in front of someone is never going to result in it hitting their head. Could happen again if it happened once. If the result of this tragedy isn't a redesign of the helmet then it will be a disgrace.

[GlenW]

Yeah throwing a hard ball very fast bouncing just in front of someone is never going to result in it hitting their head. Could happen again if it happened once. If the result of this tragedy isn't a redesign of the helmet then it will be a disgrace.

Or they could use a softer ball maybe. Maybe, only allow under-arm bowling or even ban cricket all together and insist all the players take up knitting as long as they use blunt needles. Tit.