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Ashes 2019: Steve Smith's blow might see neck guards become compulsory hereafter
Justin Langer feels that neck guards might be made compulsory in the upcoming days, Here's why
Australian coach Justin Langer feels that in the upcoming days, batsmen might be asked to wear neck guards on their helmets whether they like it or not. His words came after Steve Smith was stuck by a nasty delivery from Jofra Archer in the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Saturday.
Smith was batting on 80 when he was stuck by a 148.7 kph delivery from Archer. This delivery stuck him on the back of his neck and forced him to retire midway through his innings. Later, Steve Smith resumed his innings and eventually made 92 before he was dismissed by Chris Woakes for 92.
Langer said, "He just doesn't feel right (wearing a stem guard). I know they came in after the tragedy of Hughsey (Phil Hughes). He might rethink it now after seeing what happened today, but you'd have to ask him that. At that moment, the players have a choice and I wouldn't be surprised if they become mandatory in the future."
"When you get hit, it's always in the back of your mind. Any batsmen who tells you it's not is a liar. But he is also the sort of person who will do everything from now until the next time he bats - whether it's mentally, visualizing or practicing to be right."
Langer also told that Australia had not taken any undue risk in sending Smith to resume his innings.
"He passed all the testing and that's why he came back out. These are like my sons alright, so you're never going to put them in harm's way, even though you're always in harm's way with Test cricket. What else do you do? The medicos cleared him, he wanted to get out there."
