09/07/2008

Amateur Cricketer Paralysed After Ball Hit

An amateur cricketer has been left paralysed after being struck on the head by a ball during a match.

Phil Williams, 52, is beginning his road to recovery at the Wessex Neurological Centre at Southampton General Hospital after reportedly misjudging a shot while opening the batting for the Wayfarers from Ferndown at the weekend.

Mr Williams has fractured his skull and has been unable to move the left side of his body.

He has begun physiotherapy as he tries to recover from his injury.

His family have since issued a warning urging all amateur cricketers to wear a helmet while batting.

His son Matthew, who is also a club member, said "all I saw was this ball coming in and it was a full toss", and "I saw the ball hit my dad on the head and he fell on the stumps".

His other son Chris, is reported as saying "he will never play cricket again and faces a long road of treatment.

"This could have been avoided if he was wearing a helmet."

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) advises all under 18 players to "wear a helmet with faceguard when playing or practising with a hard cricket. The rule does not apply to adult players.

The Wayfarers Cricket Club would like to see the rule extended following the incident.

Steve Bishop, the club's Youth Development Manager, said "we want all our members to wear helmets because we don't want this situation to happen again".

(DS)

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