Big Bash League: Umpire Gerard Abood wears batting helmet while officiating

IN one of the starkest signs of cricket’s Twenty20 evolution yet, BBL umpire Gerard Abood will wear a helmet for the first time in Australian domestic cricket.

IN one of the starkest signs of cricket’s Twenty20 evolution yet, BBL umpire Gerard Abood will wear a helmet while officiating as the Renegades host the Scorchers at Etihad Stadium.

Considering the home side boasts three of the game’s cleanest hitters in Chris Gayle, Aaron Finch and Dwayne Bravo, it’s a sharp move on his part.

Abood will wear the same Masuri Vision Series batting that most of the Australian side uses, and comes after compatriot John Ward was hit in the head while umpiring in India’s Ranji Trophy at the start of the month.

Ward was hospitalised by the incident but cleared of any serious damage, though is still recovering from concussion caused by the injury.

Abood told cricket.com.au that Ward’s near escape had prompted him to don the protective equipment as the modern game’s batsman continue to grow in power and prowess.

“One of our top guys has been sconed and hurt quite badly. The cricket landscape has also changed in the past 12 months (since Phillip Hughes’ death) from ifs and buts to the fact that it can happen.

“ ... The T20 game has evolved to the stage where guys are practising specifically whacking balls as hard as they can and it’s just coming off faster and faster.

“As far as I’m concerned it’s just reached the point where it makes sense on every level, we’re only 24 yards from the bat and if it’s coming back at us pretty quickly there’s not a helluva lot of time to move.”

Originally published as Big Bash League: Umpire Gerard Abood wears batting helmet while officiating