John Ward, the first umpire to wear a helmet in an international match, feels that the use of the protective gear has boosted his confidence level. The 54-year-old Australian umpire was seen wearing a helmet during the fourth ODI between Australia and India at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday.
“I felt comfortable wearing a helmet and it gave me great confidence,” he said.
Ward who got injured while officiating in a Ranji match in India (umpires exchange programme with Cricket Australia) last year.
A fierce hit from Barindar Sran had struck Ward on his head and he was treated in India and Australia thereafter.
“I use the same kind of helmet that players use,” he he added.
Though Ward didn’t voice his opinion on making helmets a mandatory for umpires, he said if the umpires feel the need to wear the protective gear they should do so. Ward will officiate as a third umpire in the last ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.
