CA announces independent review into Hughes' death

Melbourne, May 14 (IANS) Cricket Australia on Thursday announced an independent review into the death of batsman Phillip Hughes.

Hughes died on November 27, 2014, two days after being struck in the neck by a ball while representing South Australia in a domestic match against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The review will be chaired by leading lawyer David Curtain, a former chairman of the Victorian Bar Council and president of the Australian Bar Association, a CA statement said.

CA CEO James Sutherland said the review was being commissioned to see if anything could be done to prevent a similar accident happening again.

"When this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many. Never again do we want to see something like that happen on a cricket field," Sutherland said.

'We have a deep responsibility and obligation to look into the events of that awful day to understand everything that occurred and then see what could be done to prevent a similar accident happening in the future. 

"This is not an exercise designed to apportion blame on any individual for what took place. It is about making sure that as a sport we are doing everything in our power to prevent an accident of this nature happening again."

He also said that CA has put in place certain measures to avoid such incidents in future.

"There were certain measures put in place soon after Phillip’s passing such as increasing the medical presence at all CA matches and working very closely with our helmet supplier to investigate the suitability of protective head equipment offered to all players.

"This review will help determine whether we need to implement further measures before the 2015-16 season. We fully recognise that undertaking a process such as this may be a traumatic experience for some and we will be as respectful and understanding as possible throughout that time.

"As such Cricket Australia and all states continue to make available counselling and support to any players and staff who feel they need help at any time."

As review chairman, Curtain has been requested to examine and make recommendations on the causes and circumstances which led to the injury and ultimate death of Hughes.

He will also prepare a report on the policies, practices or systems in place to prevent a similar accident from occurring including those in relation to the prevention of traumatic injuries to the head and heart.