Respect and Safety in Cricket
The first day of red ball cricket in Cricket Latrobe Valley began with a somber tone, as players and officials paid tribute to Ben Austin, a Melbourne teenager who tragically died after being struck by a ball during a training drill.
A minute's silence was observed before play at games across the state, evoking memories of the nation's reaction to the death of Phillip Hughes.
Both incidents were freakish, yet they highlight the importance of cricket safety, which has once again become a topic of public concern.
- Close calls are common in games and training sessions.
- The game has been fortunate to have avoided more injuries, particularly in the era before helmets.
Author's summary: Cricket safety concerns arise after a tragic incident.