Kiwi quick upset head blow conceded six

The bowler who copped a cricket ball to the head that flew for six in a New Zealand domestic match says he was more "annoyed at conceding the runs" than any worries about his health.

But former Black Cap Andrew Ellis, the Canterbury captain, concedes he will look into protective headgear options and wants authorities to be proactive on the issue of bowler safety.

Ellis was bowling his first over in Canterbury's 50-over elimination final with Auckland on Wednesday when batsman Jeet Raval lashed a drive back down the pitch. The ball was hit with such ferocity it left Ellis with little time to react as it struck him on the head.

The ricochet sailed some 70m over the long-off boundary at Auckland's Colin Maiden Park, surprising even the umpire who initially signalled four.

Video of the incident went viral, as Ellis shrugged off the blow, passed a concussion test and carried on to claim two wickets in the latter stages of Auckland's innings – including that of Raval for 149 – as he finished with 2-52 from seven overs.

Image Id: BC4DD08622794C66A81D8B27C8548141 Image Caption: Jeet Raval immediately checked on Ellis after the blow // Getty

"I'm fine, there was no need to bounce back, it was business as usual," Ellis told stuff.co.nz.

"Obviously, with a head knock, the physio has to come out and go through the concussion tests. He asked me the questions and I was able to give the right answers and carried on.

He said he thought nothing of the incident until he "got back to the dressing room and saw it plastered all over social media" at the innings break.

"If it hadn't gone for six it wouldn't have got the same exposure," he added.

The 35-year-old Canterbury captain said he was "keen to still contribute next year" but hoped his brush with injury sparked authorities to get on the front foot over for bowler safety.

"I don't know how many balls I've delivered in top-level cricket over the past 15 years. You're bound to have a close shave at some point," Ellis said.

"For guys like me who tend to bowl at the death and try to bowl yorkers, it's probably a prudent move (to wear head protection)."

In New Zealand's domestic T20 competition in December, 25-year-old Otago fast bowler Warren Barnes trialled a protective facemask, fearful his follow through – which sees his head go down, meaning his eyes are not on the batsman – left him vulnerable to being struck.

The helmet, designed with Otago coach Rob Walter, covers the crown of his head as well as having a full face guard.

Image Id: F1085311CA974C82BB2F1D4085CC703F Image Caption: Warren Barnes wears his custom head protection // Getty

Sydney Thunder batsman Ben Rohrer said at the time it could be "the next step" in terms of player protection.

"If guys keep hitting them that hard (it could become commonplace)," Rohrer said of the bowler headwear.

"I know the umpires have started to do it and I think that's a great move with the helmets, and obviously the batters have helmets on at the other end too, so I think that (bowlers wearing protection) is the next step."

Ellis thinks there is an opportunity for New Zealand to be at the forefront of the issue.

"I think it's a wider discussion for New Zealand Cricket and the players' association to be proactive about things," Ellis said.

"It's better to try and be a little innovative here (and) be the world leader around this issue."

Coaches have become increasingly proactive in protecting themselves while performing the often-hazardous task of throwing balls to batsmen looking to fine-tune their power hitting.

In the BBL many don helmets, wear baseball gloves and station extra protective nets between them and the batter, while some wear chest padding typically worn by catchers in baseball. 

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has even sported a full hockey mask while giving throwdowns at practice.

Image Id: 8A45F57327A34B0C9ED0BCD292D99D5F Image Caption: Darren Lehmann taking no risks in the nets // Getty

Hobart Hurricanes coach Gary Kirsten was left nursing a gruesome facial injury after he was struck by friendly fire from star batter D'Arcy Short at Blundstone Arena's indoor nets last season.

The former Proteas Test batsman suffered a cracked jaw and required dental work to fix up multiple chipped teeth. He did not require surgery though, and was sporting some heavy swelling around his mouth in the Hurricanes' next clash with the Brisbane Heat.

"(Kirsten) has actually come out of it very luckily in the big scheme of things," Hobart captain George Bailey told cricket.com.au at the time.

"He said that he's probably been a bit blasé about that over the years. It's obviously prompted (a change) – everyone has had (helmets) on since."

In games, some umpires have taken to wearing helmets while Australian official Bruce Oxenford has used a custom-made bulletproof shield dubbed the 'Ox-blocker'.

Image Id: E1A6850F0FBD40039332D3C946718F7A Image Caption: The 'Ox-blocker' // Getty

Not all bowlers are as lucky as Ellis. In July last year, Nottinghamshire fast bowler Luke Fletcher suffered a season-ending head injury after being struck in his follow through in an English domestic T20 game. He has since been cleared to resume full training.