A Cricket Australia review into the death of Philip Hughes has recommended all first-class players be required to wear protective helmets when facing fast or medium pace bowlers.

The review, which was carried out by lawyer David Curtain QC, also suggests helmets be mandatory for fielders positioned close to the batter.

The helmets must adhere to the latest British safety standards.

The sport’s governing authority in Australia commissioned the review after the 25-year-old was struck while batting at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2014.

He died two days later.
The report concluded that even if Hughes had been wearing the latest technology helmet, it would not have been enough to protect him from the fatal blow.

It also concluded that the medical attention he received played no part in his death.

A medicab arrived within three minutes and transported him off the field. An ambulance arrived at the stadium 20 minutes after the incident.

Cricket Australia’s CEO James Sutherland said: "There's not a day that goes by where we don't think of Phillip.

"This report won't bring him back and it won't do anything to ease the pain of his family or his loved ones who miss him most.

"But we have a responsibility and a duty to ensure nothing like this ever happens again."

He says Cricket Australia had also sought approval from the International Cricket Council to trial the use of injury substitutes who could bat and bowl in domestic games.

Substitutes have been permitted to replace injured or ill players in matches for over 100 years but are not allowed to bat, bowl or act as wicketkeepers or captains, according to the rules of the game.