Post by Acumen on Aug 31, 2012 9:26:44 GMT
There has been another incident in which an umpire has been hit on the head by a ball.
www.gazettelive.co.uk/gazette-communities/2012/08/29/cricket-umpire-floored-by-ball-at-tournament-in-marske-84229-31718642/
It is not clear where he was standing at the time but it highlights the importance of being aware of the ball at all times. This applies at both ends.
You do not need to look at the ball continuously and you should glance at crease to check for short runs, running on the pitch, obstructions etc. You can also watch the fielder behind the stumps - his eyes and body language should tell you what is happening with the ball.
ECB guidance, for umpires at Bowler's End is to move away from the ball but many of us prefer to go towards the ball - partly because running that way enables us to watch it whilst we are moving (the alternative is to run backwards).
I have also been assessing a number of umpires this season and have seen several occasions getting into trouble when they have followed ECB advice. Principally they could not see whether wicket broken fairly but also when bowler suddenly takes a couple of steps backwards without looking and collides with umpire.
Does anyone know of any lightweight helmets or reinforced caps that umpires could wear easily?
www.gazettelive.co.uk/gazette-communities/2012/08/29/cricket-umpire-floored-by-ball-at-tournament-in-marske-84229-31718642/
It is not clear where he was standing at the time but it highlights the importance of being aware of the ball at all times. This applies at both ends.
You do not need to look at the ball continuously and you should glance at crease to check for short runs, running on the pitch, obstructions etc. You can also watch the fielder behind the stumps - his eyes and body language should tell you what is happening with the ball.
ECB guidance, for umpires at Bowler's End is to move away from the ball but many of us prefer to go towards the ball - partly because running that way enables us to watch it whilst we are moving (the alternative is to run backwards).
I have also been assessing a number of umpires this season and have seen several occasions getting into trouble when they have followed ECB advice. Principally they could not see whether wicket broken fairly but also when bowler suddenly takes a couple of steps backwards without looking and collides with umpire.
Does anyone know of any lightweight helmets or reinforced caps that umpires could wear easily?