Cricket Australia confirm independent review into death of Phillip Hughes

Cricket Australia has confirmed it will commission an independent review into the death of batsman Phillip Hughes.

Test player Hughes died in November aged 25, two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a delivery during a domestic match in Sydney.

Announcing the review, a Cricket Australia statement explained “we have a responsibility and obligation to look into the events of that day."

The statement added the review was not about blame but "preventing an accident of this nature happening again".

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland added “when this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many.

"Never again do we want to see something like that happen on a cricket field."

The review will be held with the support of Hughes's family and is expected to publish its findings later this year. It will examine:

• The causes and circumstances which led to Hughes's death
• What practices can be put in place to prevent a similar accident from occurring
• The use of personal protective equipment in order to protect the head and heart
• The medical screening of contracted players - especially those players with particular vulnerabilities
• The medical support and coverage afforded to players and on-field support staff, including match officals, at matches and training

Hughes’ death sparked thousands of tributes from around the world.

Around 5,000 people attended the funeral in Hughes's home town of Macksville with the service broadcast live to millions of people.

After the incident, a British-based company designed a new helmet with a 'stemguard' - a device made of foam and a rubber-like compound that clips onto the back of a helmet, aimed at preventing another tragic death.

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