Sickening blow for batsman
CRICKET’S new emergency response measures were put to the test last night after NSW opener Daniel Hughes was concussed by a bouncer during the Blues’ Matador Cup semi-final triumph in Sydney.
The game has overhauled all safety procedures in the wake of the Phillip Hughes tragedy, and even though the events at Drummoyne Oval proved minor, it was a timely reminder why cricket must exercise constant vigilance when it comes to head injuries.
Daniel Hughes was hit on the grille of his helmet by a rapid Peter Siddle bouncer early in NSW’s comfortable run chase against Victoria in the Matador Cup semi.
He is in doubt for the final against Queensland tomorrow.
Both men were left shaken by the incident, attended to promptly by Dr John Orchard, and a hush went around the ground in the moments after impact as further proof that the game has changed forever.
Ed Cowan (64) and Nic Maddinson (86) held their nerve after Hughes was forced to retire hurt on 23 under the new concussions-ubstitute rule.
The Blues cruised to a Duckworth Lewis victory set up earlier by a three-wicket haul by quick Pat Cummins and two by man of the match Josh Hazlewood.
Cricket history was very nearly created as the world’s first concussion sub Nick Larkin walked out to bat on debut, only for rain to end the match.
As Cricket Australia waits for the recommendations of the Phillip Hughes inquest to be handed down, their current policies – pushed heavily by Dr Orchard – last night stood tall when it mattered most, in a live action medical situation.
The concern shown by players should put further pressure on the ICC to come to the party on safety and allow concussion subs in all first-class and international cricket.
NSW have now won four in a row going into the final against the Bulls at North Sydney Oval.