An independent review into the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes is being commissioned by Cricket Australia (CA).
Hughes died on November 27 last year – two days after being struck in the neck by a ball, while playing for South Australia against New South Wales in a domestic four-day game at the SCG.
Former chairman of the Victorian Bar Council and President of the Australian Bar Association David Curtain QC will chair the review.
Curtain has been told to examine and make recommendations around numerous areas, including:
- the causes and circumstances that led to Hughes' death
- policies, practices or systems that may prevent a similar incident in future
- CA's approach to mandating and enforcing the use of protective equipment
- the provision and use of helmets
- medical screening of contracted players
- the approach to a safe working environment
- medical support currently afforded to players and staff
CA chief executive officer James Sutherland said the body wanted to avoid a similar accident in future.
"When this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many," he said in a statement.
"Never again do we want to see something like that happen on a cricket field.
"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.
"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.
"David Curtain QC is one of Australia's leading law practitioners and is highly qualified to lead the review, which is being undertaken with the support of the Hughes family.
"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."