Stop those bails from flying, Mark Boucher tells ICC

Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should attach the bails to the stumps to avoid them from flying in the air after being hit by a ball

Former South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher has suggested that the International Cricket Council (ICC) should attach the bails to the stumps to avoid them from flying in the air after being hit by a ball.

Mark Boucher

The 39-year-old had to retire from the game after being hit in the eye by a bail during a warm-up game against Somerset on the 2012 England tour.

"I had not worn the helmet but even if I had, it would not have avoided the accident. Helmets are designed for balls, not bails," Boucher said from South Africa.

"My recommendation would be to somehow attach the bails to the stumps, by a light string. This way, the bails will not fly and cause damage to any player," Boucher said.

The ICC on Sunday reiterated its position that the wearing of helmets in international cricket should not be mandatory, but if a batsman decides to wear a helmet, then it must comply with the new British Standard (BS) - BS7928:2013.

Boucher agreed with ICC: "I would strongly recommend everyone to wear a helmet, but making it compulsory would not be fair on players who prefer not to wear one."

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