IPL 2016: Umpire Bruce Oxenford walks out wearing a hand shield
The Indian Premier League today saw another innovation as Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford was seen walking on to the field with a massive hand shield. This is another experiment that the umpires have resorted to as modern day bats have become larger and the power game has gone on to another level.
This is not an isolated incident of umpires seeking different methods to seek refuge from cricket balls being hit back at them with immense power. Previously Australian umpire Gerard Abood did wear a helmet while umpiring during a Big Bash League (BBL) T20 game in the match against Melbourne Renegades and the Perth Scorchers at the Etihad Stadium.
Abood after the match did reveal that was mulling this move for a long time because of the pace and momentum of the T20 version and as bats have become larger and players are getting stronger. He also said that this move was necessitated after fellow Australian official John Ward sustained a blow to the head while umpiring in a Ranji Trophy match. Indian umpire Paschim Pathak too wore a helmet during a Ranji Trophy match after the incident.
There have been debates raging one in the cricketing world about safety equipment being used more to prevent any injury to the players and the umpires. The England Cricket Board has already issued several guidelines to the players about the helmets being used.
The psyche of the players and the officials have changed significantly ever since Phil Hughes was struck on the head and later succumbed to the injury. Players and officials have now recognised the importance of safety and it is very heartening to see different experiments being made to ensure their safety.
Currently, Cricket Australia is working with the England and Wales Cricket Board and the ICC to design and come up with protective equipment specifically designed for the umpires, as umpires do not have a lot of time to react to balls being hit back to them and the injury concern is genuine.