CRICKET AUSTRALIA has commissioned an independent review into the death of former Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, who died after being struck by a ball.
The 25-year-old died in November two days after being hit on the neck by a delivery during a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
"When this tragedy happened, I said that it was a freak accident, but it was one freak accident too many," said CA chief executive James Sutherland.
"Never again do we want to see something like that happen on a cricket field.
"We have a deep responsibility and obligation to look into the events of that awful day to understand everything that occurred and then see what could be done to prevent a similar accident happening in the future.
"This is not an exercise designed to apportion blame on any individual for what took place.
"It is about making sure that as a sport we are doing everything in our power to prevent an accident of this nature happening again."
The review into the tragedy has the support of the Hughes family and participation by players and CA staff is optional, the body said.
It is expected to deliver its findings prior to the start of the 2015-16 Australian season.
Sutherland accepts that revisiting Hughes' death has the potential to "traumatise those asked to relive it", but said it was vital to learn the lessons of the unprecedented tragedy.
"There were certain measures put in place soon after Phillip's passing such as increasing the medical presence at all CA matches and working very closely with our helmet supplier to investigate the suitability of protective head equipment offered to all players," he stated.
"This review will help determine whether we need to implement further measures before the 2015-16 season."
Hughes, who was struck by a short-pitched delivery from Sean Abbott, was hit below the base of his helmet.
CA said the review would look at the "policies, practices or systems in place to prevent a similar accident from occurring", including the provision and use of helmets, the medical screening of contracted players and the appropriateness of the medical support afforded to players and support staff.
The review will not investigate the laws of cricket and playing regulations unless they specifically related to protective equipment or to the management of those who suffer head or heart injuries.
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