Is This The 'Big Scotsman'?
From yesterday's Times:
A BATSMAN died when he was struck on the head by a cricket ball which had slipped out of the bowler’s sweaty hand, an inquest was told yesterday.
Jonathon Willis, 39, who had been batting in a cap, not a helmet, collapsed at the wicket during a match between teams from two RAF bases.
The inquest in Truro was told that the Flight Sergeant was hit by a ball bowled by Flying Officer Scott Weir, a pace bowler.
Mr Weir told the coroner that the conditions were hot and sweaty and that he had been having difficulty keeping his hands dry. On the third ball after a refreshment break the ball had slipped out of his hand and become a “beamer”, heading straight for the batsmen’s head. Mr Willis, described as an accomplished batsman, had tried to hook the ball but had misjudged it and was hit behind the right ear.
Flying Officer Weir said: “He missed the shot and the ball made contact with his head. It took him a while to fall down. There seemed to be a delay. I was very shaken. I had never bowled a ball that had caused any injury in my career.
“It was a complete accident caused in my opinion by the conditions and my sweaty hand. I tried to dry my hands.”
Mr Willis had been opening the batting for RAF Lyneham in a midweek cup fixture at St Erme, near Truro, against the local base, RAF St Mawgan, when he was hit.
The inquest was told that he was given immediate first aid and a cricket bail was used to keep his mouth open, but he died from a haemorrhage in the area of the brain where he had been hit.
Flying Officer Martin Taylor, captain of the St Mawgan side, said that it was a slow, flat pitch which was ideal for batting. He said that both openers were playing well and no wicket had fallen after 26 overs of the game.
“In my opinion I would not have worn a helmet on this pitch on this day,” he said.
Dr Edward Carlyon, the West Cornwall Coroner, recorded a verdict of accidental death, adding: “I am satisfied that this was a complete accident. In almost every sport there is some degree of risk.
“It is not for me to comment on the use or non-use of helmets. There seems to be a general consensus that not many players would have been using a helmet on that occasion.
“I am quite satisfied that there was no intent. It was purely an accident.”
Flight Sergeant Willis, who was born in Wembley, had also taken over the captaincy at his local St Stephen Cricket Club in Cornwall. Stan Job, a team-mate, said: “John was a first-class cricketer and a marvellous bloke.”
There is no requirement for adult cricketers to wear a helmet, although the England and Wales Cricket Board states that players under 18 must wear one for batting and keeping wicket unless their parents consent to them not doing so.