Helmet manufacturers may change design to protect players' necks post Hughes' tragic death

A day after Phil Hughes passed away after succumbing to injuries he endured from a bouncer at the SCG on Tuesday, helmet manufacturers have said that the incident could bring changes in their design processes with more emphasis on protecting the neck, a report said.

Cricket Australia said on Friday said that it will immediately launch a review into safety protocols and protection of players, reported The Guardian.

Peter Wright, the managing director of Gunn and Moore, a sports equipment and apparel company, said that the back of the neck is an extremely difficult area to protect because lightness makes it easier for cricketers to avoid the ball. However, he added that the company will look into it and take advice from neurosurgeons about the vital parts of the body that need protection.

Hughes, who played 25 Tests for Australia and was pushing for a recall to the team, was wearing a helmet when Sean Abbott's delivery hit him on the neck.

Flags flew at half mast across the world, from Lord's to the SCG, and the England and Wales. The second day of a Test match between New Zealand and Pakistan was postponed while a tour match between India and Cricket Australia XI was cancelled.