I'd imagine the solution to this particular impact would be pretty simple; an extension to the helmet hanging over the exposed neck area. Something that can absorb fairly well but not hinder the player. Wouldn't be too difficult with modern materials.

The thing is, when you're hurling an object as hard as a cricket ball at a person, accidents will happen. I've never forgotten a game during a school PE lesson. We had some fairly good players, but one of the lads was County level for his age group (I think we were about 14) and a fast bowler. Anyway, he steamed in and bowled this ball out of hell, so fast the batter and keeper (both competent players) simply never saw it - until the keeper's face exploded in cloud of red mist. His nose was shattered and I think he sustained fractures to other surrounding bones. Poor lad couldn't attend school for about 4 weeks. Pretty nasty.

Either way, awful incident and a tragedy for all concerned. I bet hundreds of cricketers have been within millimetres of something similar.

To be fair, I think 99% of sportsmen play their particular sport for the thrill of that danger, whether it be cricket, either rugby codes, skiing, car or bike racing, horse racing, etc.

I'm in my mid 40's and still play cricket, keeping wicket and batting mid order, and over the years have had my share of bruises and breaks. However, I still get a buzz from being challenged by some young lad hurling the ball at me - Its almost unexplainable why I want to do it, but I imagine most sportsmen feel the same.

Sadly, Philip Hughes probably got that same buzz too and tragically paid the ultimate price for it, but to take that element of danger from the game, and with it the buzz, would end up diluting the sport to a level where the game wouldn't be worth watching or playing anymore.

I see an Israeli umpire has died today after being struck by a ball. Terrible luck, another one in a million moment.

My only problem with the bouncer is when its used against tail-enders. Even at Test level there are some really hopeless batsmen out there, and their ability should be taken into account, as they're far more likely to end up turning away from the ball and getting in a bad position.

I watched Mitchell Johnson bowl at England at the Gabba last summer, and whilst officially he only bowled one 'bouncer' per over, almost every delivery was at high chest or shoulder height. I did read some commentary about that being something umpires can and should stop against tail enders, but nothing came of it.

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Couldn't be more spot on if you tried..basically describing risk compensation..the very same thing happens with helmet wearing in cycling at all levels from pros downwards..