Sheffield Shield 2014/15

[sussexpob]

Needless to say a tragic incident, I hope those affected can get through this.

Like cricketfan90 I don't wear a helmet. No need to at village level cricket where short bowling rarely exists and bowling speeds don't get much higher than 60-65mph. Might get the odd delivery that pops up off a length, but the key is to not play shots early and keep your eye on the ball.

Clearly never played against any county prospects who see every game as a chance to shine in front of a scout, AP. I faced a 18/19 year old Lewis Hatchett at East Grinstead a few years back, and he was cranking it up quick enough for me to be worried full padded and helmeted up. I was more a bowler, no batsman at all, and I would struggle to get bat on ball at that pace, let alone duck or casually move out the way. Personally I think it stupid not to wear a helmet, as taking a hit at 65 mph would still be painful and may require a stitch or a replacement tooth.... I think people who feel they don't need one are very arrogant, if you think you are too good to be hit by a ball that spits out of nowhere, then you shouldn't be playing at such a low level.

And before the pitches quieten down, dry and flatten as the summer goes on, those games in April when the ball is around your ears after bouncing short of a length, you have to be a good batsman to avoid wearing a few.

[Alviro Patterson]

Needless to say a tragic incident, I hope those affected can get through this.

Like cricketfan90 I don't wear a helmet. No need to at village level cricket where short bowling rarely exists and bowling speeds don't get much higher than 60-65mph. Might get the odd delivery that pops up off a length, but the key is to not play shots early and keep your eye on the ball.

Clearly never played against any county prospects who see every game as a chance to shine in front of a scout, AP. I faced a 18/19 year old Lewis Hatchett at East Grinstead a few years back, and he was cranking it up quick enough for me to be worried full padded and helmeted up. I was more a bowler, no batsman at all, and I would struggle to get bat on ball at that pace, let alone duck or casually move out the way. Personally I think it stupid not to wear a helmet, as taking a hit at 65 mph would still be painful and may require a stitch or a replacement tooth.... I think people who feel they don't need one are very arrogant, if you think you are too good to be hit by a ball that spits out of nowhere, then you shouldn't be playing at such a low level.

And before the pitches quieten down, dry and flatten as the summer goes on, those games in April when the ball is around your ears after bouncing short of a length, you have to be a good batsman to avoid wearing a few.

The prospective likes of Lewis Hatchett won't be plying their trade in Village standard League Cricket, more likely to be seen in the ECB Leagues or top tiers of well known League Club Cricket.

Try playing on council owned, uncovered pitches where uneven bounce regularly occurs all season long. This is where you get an eye for the ball through mindful watching, hence having the ability to swerve the surprise ball.

To call anyone "arrogant" or "stupid" for not wearing a helmet is a rather ignorant view, most players in my team don't wear a helmet and I believe it's the same throughout the league. It's all down to personal preference and some folk just find it difficult to play with a helmet on, due to it's general restrictive view. One game last season where I was bowling (military medium), the opposing batsman asked for a helmet just to keep his cap from blowing off, helmet was placed on and he was clean bowled off a full delivery the next ball.

[bigfluffylemon]

Australian news is reporting that Phil Hughes passed away this afternoon without regaining consciousness.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-11-27/p ... ad/5919204

RIP Hughes. My thoughts are with his family, friends and team mates at this tragic time.

[Durhamfootman]

It didn't even occur to me that he might not survive the injury.

Deeply upsetting news

[Durhamfootman]

I can't even guess at how this will affect Sean Abbott. I can't imagine how he will be feeling at this time.

[hopeforthebest]

Terrible news, a sad day for his family and friends. A tragedy that one couldn't believe was possible in the modern game.

[dan08]

Sean Abbott will play for NSW tomorrow.

[SaintPowelly]

Sean Abbott will play for NSW tomorrow.

Brave

[GarlicJam]

Sean Abbott will play for NSW tomorrow.

Brave

He's in the 12, at least.

Very brave of him. Brave of the selectors, as well.

[from_the_stands]

I reckon he'll play.

[andy]

good to see him playing...but i doubt his bowling will be the same?

[GarlicJam]

Tassie have dropped Tim Paine and given the gloves to Ben Dunk. Lack of runs is the direct reason given.

[Durhamfootman]

I reckon he'll play.

so do I

and if he does, I hope it goes okay. The longer he leaves it, the harder it will be.

[Making_Splinters]

I doubt anyone can begin to imagine how Abbot is feeling, let alone how he will feel standing at the start of his run up with the ball in hand. We can only hope he pulls through this and gets his career back on track.

[from_the_stands]

Tassie have dropped Tim Paine and given the gloves to Ben Dunk. Lack of runs is the direct reason given.

Tough break for Paine. Big opportunity for Dunk. He's on fire with the bat, and I thought did a great job in the T20I's against South Africa. It might be a case of watch this space.