Kiwi spectators to be warned over flat sixers following greivous injury to woman

AUCKLAND - New Zealand Cricket (NZC) will broadcast warnings over the public address system at cricket grounds during the upcoming series against Australia after a woman was seriously hurt during Thursday’s ODI against Bangladesh.

The Christchurch woman was seated in the stands when New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum hit a flat six into the stands, which struck her in the neck.

The injured woman was treated by doctors available on the ground, but when her condition deteriorated, she was taken to hospital.

It was initially feared that she had suffered a stroke, but it now seems more likely it was a shock-induced reaction. She is now in a comfortable condition, The New Zealand Herald reports.

The incident happened a week after NZC CEO Justin Vaughan said the near-misses in the crowd during the country’s recent 20-over competition had persuaded him to consider launching a concerted safety awareness campaign to educate people about the danger.

Vaughan said it was clear that cricket would need to adopt American protocols such as warning signs at grounds and public address announcements.

Although no previous injuries were reported during the season, many children and adults narrowly missed balls traveling at speeds of 160 to 180km/h.

“It was an issue that was raised by the board just before the Twenty20 final in New Plymouth. It’s only going to get bigger so the safety reminders are something we’ll need to introduce, probably ahead of next season,” Vaughan said.

“A lot of people are now attending for the whole Twenty20 experience; they’re not necessarily purists and there’s a need to provide them with the information they need to remain safe,” he added.

New Zealand will play two Twenty20 internationals against Australia later this month. (ANI)