Thu Nov 21 19:55:23 UTC 2024: **Umpire Seriously Injured During Australian Cricket Match**
Sydney, November 21, 2024 – An umpire suffered a serious facial injury during a local cricket match in Australia after being struck by a ball. Tony De Nobrega was officiating a North Perth–Wembley District match, under the West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Association, when he was hit by a straight drive.
De Nobrega was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. A statement from the West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Association confirmed that while he sustained no broken bones and will not require surgery, he remains under medical observation. The association expressed hope for a speedy recovery.
While umpires increasingly use protective gear during matches, this incident highlights the inherent risks of the profession. The association’s statement did not specify if De Nobrega was wearing protective gear at the time of the incident.
This is not the first such incident. In 2019, umpire John Williams died after being struck by a ball during a match in Wales. The use of protective equipment varies among umpires; some, like Australian umpire Gerard Abood (Big Bash League), use helmets, while others like Bruce Oxenford utilize plastic shields.
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