'Cricket umpire will be killed if rules don't change': Rodney Marsh

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.”