Cricket Australia Makes Neck Guards Mandatory For Australian Players

Cricket Australia (CA) has made neck guards mandatory for Australian players at international and domestic games from October 1. This will imply to Steven Smith and David Warner also who have resisted from using it, as per ESPNcricinfo today.  One of the numerous changes made to CA's playing rules in advance of the 2023–24 season is the requirement for neck guards. Another change is the elimination of the automatic six rule in Big Bash Leagues (BBL) when a ball hits the roof at Marvel Stadium; instead, umpires will use their discretion to determine whether the ball crossed the boundary.

Time limits on injury stoppages and streamlining stumping reviews were a few other changes introduced in the Big Bash Leagues to speed up the play.

Players are required to wear neck guards on their helmets when playing against fast bowlers and medium pacers. This rule does not apply when players are facing spinners. It also excludes close-in fielders and wicketkeepers.