Michael Roberts
In THIS MEMO inspired by Senaka Weeraratne’s article below, I present two striking photographs to illustrate the amateurish and rudimentary nature of treatment for those subject to serious injury on the cricket field in the 20th century in contrast with the jeep-ambulances and medical staff attending matches in recent decades. Howeer, these facilities did not prevent PHIL HUGHES from succumbing to “death-by-bouncer” during a Sheffield Shield match.
Duleep Mendis bing carried off the field by Mevan Pieris & Dennis chanmugam (two teammates) after he was felled by paceman Jeff Thomson at the ODI match at Kennington Oval in London during the World Cup Prelims in summer 1975
When Phil Hughes wes felled in Sydney in 2014, there was a jeep with a stretcher available to carry him off …. Alas, he died in hospital; whereas Duleep suvived, played on and is still in the cricket circuit as a coach. C’est la vie.
Senaka Weeraratne
“Duty of care” in the cricket field refers to the legal responsibility each player, umpire, and other individuals involved in a cricket match have to act with reasonable care to avoid causing harm to others on the field, essentially meaning everyone should play within the rules and not intentionally or recklessly endanger their fellow players.
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Playing within the spirit of the game:
This includes avoiding dangerous bowling actions, not deliberately obstructing the batsman, and respecting the umpire’s decisions.
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Fielding safely:
Fielders must position themselves in a way that minimizes the risk of collisions with other players, especially when attempting catches.
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Warning others about potential hazards:
Players should alert teammates if they see a loose ball or a dangerous situation developing on the field.
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Responding to injuries:
If a player is injured, other players should provide immediate assistance and ensure medical attention is sought if necessary.
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Respecting the umpire’s authority:
Players must follow the umpire’s decisions and not engage in verbal abuse or confrontational behavior.
Who has a duty of care in cricket?
- Players: All players on the field, including batsmen, bowlers, and fielders.
- Umpires: Responsible for enforcing the rules and ensuring fair play.
- Coaches: Have a duty to instruct players on safe playing techniques and to monitor their behavior on the field.
- Team captains: Responsible for upholding the team’s standards of conduct and ensuring players adhere to the rules.
Potential breaches of duty of care in cricket:
- Throwing a ball recklessly at another player.
- Deliberately obstructing a batsman with the body.
- Failing to warn a teammate about a dangerous situation on the field.
- Engaging in aggressive or abusive behavior towards other players or the umpire.
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