Virender Sehwag Says Banning Bouncers Will Take Fun Out of Cricket
Known for his ferocious batting during his in-form days, Virender Sehwag feels bouncers are a good challenge to batsmen and should continue despite Phillip Hughes' tragic death after being struck by a rising delivery.
Out-of-favour Indian opener Virender Sehwag on Tuesday, said that International Cricket Council (ICC) should not consider banning bouncers from the game in the wake of the tragic death of Australian cricketer Philip Hughes, as it will take the "fun" out of the system. (Also read: Michael Clarke to bear Phillip Hughes' coffin at funeral)
"It was very sad that Phil Hughes died in such a way, hitting the pull shot and got hit on his head and died. But it is a part of cricketing life. If you are playing any sport, injuries will come your way. May be you can die also, but you have an option to duck it (bouncer). So it is up to you as a batsman," said the dashing batsman here. (Related: Banning bouncers not the solution, says Alan Donald | ICC hints against bouncer clampdown)
"If you cut out the bouncers then there is no fun in the game of cricket. Then it's a batsman's game. I don't think ICC should do that," Sehwag told reporters at the MoneyGram ICC World Cup Trophy tour event.
Hughes died in the hospital two days after being struck by a bouncer delivered by fast bowler Sean Abbott, shocking the cricket world.
Sehwag further said he had been struck on his helmet on multiple occasions, but added that banning the bouncers would mean that bowlers would not have an important delivery in their arsenal.
"I have been hit a lot on my helmet by bouncers. If you remove bouncers, then perhaps the weapon that bowlers have will be over. Then cricket won't be that interesting," the Delhi batsman said.