BBL 07: Ben Rohrer feels protective headgear for bowlers is not far

After New Zealand bowler Warren Barnes became the first-ever bowler to wear the face mask in the Twenty20 league competition in Hamilton, Sydney Thunder batter Ben Rohrer believes the unique idea is not far away to be applied by the bowlers.

Barren, who opted for the protective headgear as a trial happened to prepare the contraption alongside his coach, in a bid to allow the international bowlers to think about the protective helmet for the foreseeable future.

“I saw that … possibly, if guys keep hitting them that hard (it could become commonplace),” Rohrer was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia while shedding the light on protective gears.

(Read Also: Otago Volts Fast Bowler Wears Protective Mask in a Domestic T20 Match)

While considering the safety of the players, Rohrer feels it would be a big thing if bowlers happen to opt for the protective gear.

“I think that (bowlers wearing protective headwear) is the next step,” Rohrer maintained.

Barnes was representing his side Otago Volts in the national Twenty20 fixture which further broke the internet.

Moreover, Rohrer who was supposed to be saved by collarbone when he didn’t came out to field for his side.

While observing the game, Rohrer stated it’s also a great sight to see umpires opting for the helmets while remarking the precaution has a major role to play and to avoid the freak injuries.

“I know the umpires have started to do it and I think that’s a great move with the helmets, and obviously the batters have helmets on at the other end too,” Rohrer added.

Following the frightening incident during the Big Bash League (BBL) after Ben Rohrer was hit on his neck while representing Sydney Thunder when the accidental smash from his teammate Callum Ferguson hit the former on the collarbone before falling on the ground.

“It hit me straight on the collarbone, with a little bit of throat as well, but thankfully I was able to take that first breath and I was alright after that,” Rohrer further added.

However, Rohrer was writhing in pain and is expecting to make a return on December 30 when his side will be facing Hobart Hurricanes.

“Cal definitely got hold of it. Fingers crossed. The doc (doctor) said he thinks I should be alright, as long as the swelling goes down enough,” Rohrer asserted.

(Read Further: I Would Love to Coach Australia: Shane Warne)

The incident happened at Gabba in Brisbane on December 27 which saw Brisbane Heat player Josh Lawlor rushing to check on Rohrer at the non-striker’s end.

“I think the collarbone probably saved it from a flush blow on the windpipe, so once I took a breath and was able to swallow, I thought everything should be alright,” Rohrer concluded.

The medical staff also attended the 36-year-old batsman Rohrer which subsequently saw Thunder losing the match by six wickets.

Here’s the video of Ben Rohrer being accidentally hit by his teammate Callum Ferguson:

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