The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is set to discuss the introduction of baseball-style face masks for umpires at a meeting on Thursday, as the sport marks one year since the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes.
The move follows the death of Israeli umpire Hillel Oscar, who was killed days after Hughes's death in November 2014 when a straight-drive ricocheted off the non-striker's stumps into his head. Discussions have since taken place between baseball and cricket authorities to consider protective options.
However, the mask worn by baseball's home plate umpire has been deemed impractical for cricket, as umpires often work for at least six hours a day in extreme heat. The ECB is seeking a more feasible solution.
Additionally, ECB officials may approve proposals to make helmets mandatory in all practice sessions, including throwdowns, and for all close fielders. England's Joe Root has already taken to wearing a helmet while fielding at third slip, and the rule could extend to slip fielders off spin bowlers.
