Neck Guard Rule: What is Smith-Warner's opinion about the neck guard rule brought by Cricket Australia? Know here!
PC: ABP News
Cricket Australia has issued a new rule regarding neck guards, which may cause problems for many star and experienced batsmen of the team.
Ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup, Cricket Australia has implemented a rule for all batsmen playing international and domestic cricket. It is mandatory for batsmen to use neck guards when facing fast bowlers and medium-pace bowlers.
Many Kangaroo batsmen, including Steve Smith and David Warner, have been avoiding using neck guards, but now under the new rules, it has become mandatory for everyone to wear them.
It is mandatory for Australian cricketers to wear neckguards
cricket.com.au. According to the new rules issued by Cricket Australia, it will be mandatory to wear a neck guard or neck protector from October 1. If any batsman is found refusing to use it, then Phalanx will have to face trouble under the new rules of Cricket Australia. A neck protector will be fitted at the back of the helmet.
PC: Amrit Vichar
The Australian team is currently on a tour of South Africa. During the same tour, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was hit by African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada while batting, after which he retired and returned to the tent. The neck guard rule was issued a week after the incident.
Meanwhile, Australia began recommending the wearing of neckguards in domestic cricket following the death of cricketer Phillip Hughes after being hit by a ball in 2015. However, till now many batsmen have avoided using neck guards. In such a situation, it has now been made mandatory.
PC: CricTracker
What do Smith and Warner think about neckguards?
Steve Smith shares his experience after using the neck guard. He said he felt 'claustrophobic' while batting wearing the neck guard. In the 2019 Ashes, the ball of England fast bowler Joffra Archer hit Smith on his helmet. He was then advised to wear a neck guard. But at that time Smith compared the neck guard to an MRI scan machine. "I compare it to being stuck in an MRI scan machine," he said.
Additionally, David Warner also said in 2016 that he does not and will not wear a neck guard because the neck guard hits his neck and distracts him.