Forearm guards

I nearly killed my batting partner last year. Thumped (and I really, really hit it) a drive back and smacked him on the side of the head. Felt sick and scared.

Anyway, Clamson, there's wearing protective gear and there's being a ridiculous big girls blouse. When do you think you're going to facing anyone quick enough to do any damage to your forearm? Thighpad, yep. Box, yep, helmet, yep no problem with that. Armguard? What on earth for?

From 1854.

"Swift bowling". How very pukka.

The more protection a batsman wears the less freedom he has with his body movement. No wonder they shed it at the slightest opportunity such as when the spinner is on. As somebody said above one cannot legislate against personal safety, the balance here is the balance between protection and physical inhibition it brings. Some guys like Gavaskar did not bother with a helmet even after it was approved and taken up by all and sundry. He only chose to wear a skull cap in the last few years of his career.

Nothing worse than those terrible incidents like Lamba dying from a blow to the head whilst fielding without a helmet for the last over before tea.

[quote="Josh Carney"]Some guys like Gavaskar did not bother with a helmet quote]

Your point is???