Australia legend Rodney Marsh says an umpire could be killed if cricket’s rules aren’t changed.
The former wicketkeeper believes the officials have to stand too close to the on-strike batsman because of the no-ball rule.
Marsh, 67, wants the no-ball rule changed and umpires to be allowed to stand further back, giving them more time to react, the BBC reports.
“It’s only a matter of time before an umpire in an international or first-class match is seriously hurt, if not killed,” Marsh said.
“You put yourself in the umpire’s position when a batsman with a massive weapon runs at the bowler and smashes a straight drive at about chest height.
“If I happened to be umpiring right now I’d be wearing a baseball helmet, a chest pad, shin guards and an abdominal protector.
“Maybe we have to make this safety gear for umpires compulsory for all international and first-class games.”
