Cricket helmet safety has been big news for a few years, with the tragic death of Phillip Hughes in particular evoking strong emotions and leading to the redesign of the cricket helmet. Cricket helmets have always been there for the safety of the batsmen and wicket keepers, but there are still those who consider the cricket helmet a nuisance to be avoided, at any level of cricket.
One thing that is often said is that the cricket helmet is too hot and awkward, that is restricts the vision of the person wearing it, and that it is so unlikely for someone to be struck by a ball in the head that it is a risk worth taking by not wearing a cricket helmet. Whereas it is optional over whether an adult cricketer wears a helmet or not at amateur level, it is something that is enforced at junior level, encouraging safety from a young age. This can only be a good things to eradicate the generational differences in attitude towards safety precautions and protective clothing in the game that still exists currently. 
After the death of Phillip Hughes and other injuries to cricketers in the past few years the International Cricket Council (ICC) made a number of reactionary changes to helmet laws that encouraged an improved safety for those wearing cricket helmets. These included stronger design aspects and a new British design safety standard exists that all new cricket helmets have to adhere to. The changes are reflective of the damage a fast cricket ball can do. The inner shell of all helmets now has added protective layers to protect the head from a cricket ball travelling at speeds up to 90mph.
Choosing the right cricket helmet for you is a big decision as it is a purchase that is likely to last for quite some time. Unlike other cricket clothing and equipment you are unlikely to be buying a new helmet for every cricket season. Add to the fact that the most recent changes to the design of cricket helmets for safety reasons are unlikely to be changed again any time soon, and it is important you make the right choice for you when choosing your cricket helmet for the season ahead.
Any new cricket helmet will have to have been proven to be able to withstand a barrage of cricket balls at the peak and grill from 400ml, with no sign of the ball being able to get through and cause injury to the person wearing it. One of the biggest changes to the design of cricket helmets is that it is now no longer possible for the wearer to adjust the gap they see through themselves. This might sound like a nuisance but it is a design feature based around your safety.
Cricket helmets will always be a hot topic, with style, comfort and design always talked about in a balanced way. Safety should always be your priority when choosing a cricket helmet that you’ll wear for a long time, so be grateful for innovative design and development that increases cricket safety.
