Otago Volts Fast Bowler Wears Protective Mask in a Domestic T20 Match

Protection in cricket is a serious issue, and cricketing bodies have had serious discussions over the matter. Players and umpires have innovated on their own as well and have worn gears for their protection. From umpires using a shield or wearing a helmet to the wicket-keepers donning a baseball style helmet behind the stumps, now a bowler in a domestic league in New Zealand supported a helmeted while bowling.

Three years ago the whole cricket fraternity was stunned when a ball struck at the base of the skull Of Phil Hughes, and he died due to bleeding in the brain. This incidence raised several questions on the safety measures taken in the game.

Otago Volts bowler Warren Barnes wore a protective helmet/visor while bowling in a T20 match in Hamilton. Warren and Volts coach Rob Walter combined to design the gear which resembles a baseball umpire’s visor and a track cyclist’s helmet.

Coach Walter said that Warren came up with the idea of wearing a gear as he felt his bowling action left him vulnerable to a fierce drive by a batsman on the head from the facing batsman.

Otago volts played against Northern Knights on Saturday who scored a huge score of 212/9 in their 20 overs.  Warren’s bowling partner Neil Wagner faced a similar danger which Warren feared as a straight by Daryl Mitchell struck Wagner’s leg and temporarily floored him.

In the next innings, Wagner then returned the favour as his straight drive struck Brad Wilson in the thigh. Otago could only score 106 and lost the match by the same margin.