Cricket Australia releases review into Phillip Hughes’ death
A tribute to former Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes, who was the 408th player for Australia,
is displayed on a screen during the first day of the third cricket test match between Australia
and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval in South Australia, November 27, 2015. (Photo: Reuters)
MELBOURNE – An independent review into the death of Phillip Hughes has been released, saying nothing could have been done to save the former Australian Test cricketer.
The report found the 25-year-old Australian would not have been sufficiently protected from the ball that struck and killed him even if he had been wearing the highest-standard helmet.
“The helmet was compliant with an Australian standard, which has since been withdrawn, but was not compliant with the more recent British standard,” the report, led by barrister David Curtain, said.
“In any event … I do not believe the new helmet would have afforded additional protection against the blow given the location of where Phillip was struck, as the protection to the neck, at the rear, is no different.”
Hughes died in November 2014, two days after being struck on the back of the head by a ball while batting for South Australia in a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The 62-page report also concluded that the slow arrival of the ambulance, which reached the side of the field at the SCG 20 minutes after the initial incident, did not impact his death.
“Although there was apparently a delay in the ambulance arriving, Phillip was being cared for appropriately in the interim,” it added.
“I am of the opinion the attention received by Phillip after being struck had no role whatsoever on his subsequent demise, due to the nature and severity of his injury.”
Tributes to Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes are displayed on the pitch at the
Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) December 3, 2014. (Photo: Reuters)
Cricket Australia (CA) said it had received the Curtain review last year and would enact new safety measures.
“The global cricket community was deeply saddened by the tragic death of Phillip Hughes and the great loss his family suffered,” CA CEO James Sutherland said.
“We have been considering (Curtain’s) recommendations and discussing with relevant bodies as to how we best make changes necessary to prevent an accident of this nature happening again.
“While there will always be a small risk we believe that the measures we have already taken and will enact following this review will reduce that risk even further.”
CA said it will cooperate fully with the coronial inquest into Phillip Hughes’ death, likely to be scheduled to take place in Sydney in October this year.
“We have had ongoing open dialogue with the New South Wales Crown Solicitor and have indicated that we will be as cooperative as possible with any coronial inquest,” Mr Sutherland said.
– with other agencies
