Headstrong Umpires

Umpires are not worried about being hit by a cricket ball, even if one of their ilk, recently died on the field

Umpires are not worried about being hit by a cricket ball, even if one of their ilk, Alcwyn Jenkins of the UK, recently died after being struck by a fielder’s throw in a first class match. They are not contemplating wearing helmets.

“I have not even given it a thought,” says Suresh Shastri, who is on the International Cricket Council’s International Panel of umpires. “The umpire in question was 72.” When reminded of a shot by MS Dhoni that almost crashed into the umpire’s head, Shastri said, “Injuries can happen, either by the stroke or a deflection off the bowler’s hand. But if your reflexes are sharp, you will be okay.

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