New Delhi: Field umpire Gerard Abood created history on Wednesday by becoming the first Australian official to wear a helmet while umpiring in a Big Bash League (BBL) cricket match, played between Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers at the Etihad Stadium.


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He wore a proper batting helmet of Masuri Vision Series model, which is generally worn by the majority of Australian players.



Abood decided to wear the protection after his compatriot John Ward was struck on the head during a Ranji Trophy fixture in India between Punjab and Tamil Nadu on December 1. 


Abood said he been contemplating wearing head protection for some time now.


"I've had close shaves in the past, a couple have been real tight and they weight on your mind," Abood told cricket.com.au.


In November last year, umpire and former captain of Israel's national team, Hillel Awaskar died after being hit by a ball during a match in Ashdod.


(With Agency inputs)