CA hands over review of the Phillip Hughes' death to his family ahead of its release

Cricket Australia (CA) has handed over in advance the review of the death of Phillip Hughes to the family of beloved Test opener. The wellbeing of the family has been the priority in any announcements relating to Hughes’ death since the tragedy took place 18 months ago. Therefore, CA has made sure that they’ve been properly briefed and prepared for the findings and recommendations.

Cricket authorities are also trying to contact Australian players to ensure they’re fully aware of what will be detailed in the report before it’s made public. Players have had a direct input into the independent review undertaken by David Curtain QC that will be publicly explained on Wednesday in Melbourne by CA chief executive James Sutherland.

The Australian Cricketer’s Association have been the conduit with the players throughout the review process and were still making calls on Tuesday night to members with a close link to Hughes and the tragic incident itself to make sure they are informed, as well as to check on their mindset.

Sean Abbott is one player currently overseas, but the ACA say they have left messages with the NSW quick to try to make sure he is on top of what is being announced by Cricket Australia.

However, despite the understandable concern being shown by the ACA ahead of such a major announcement, the report is not expected to focus on the tragic circumstances that occurred that fateful day in emotional detail.

That could be far more of a concern later in the year, when the NSW Coroner is expected to release its inquest into Phillip Hughes, which is expected to involve the interviewing of players on the eve of the cricket summer in October.

But the Curtain Review is more aimed at reinforcing renewed safety standards that will centre on the wearing of helmets becoming mandatory for all Australian batsmen and close-in fielders.

Fast bowler Pat Cummins hadn’t been contacted by the ACA when he spoke to the media on Tuesday but said players were ready to embrace the findings.

“I think last summer was a pretty sensible move towards the new helmets and when I’m batting I want all the protection I can get,” Cummins said.

“If they find some good findings I’m sure the players will take it on board.”

The ACA has been in constant communication with players throughout the review process allowing cricketers to have their say on the shaping of new safety standards.

The players association says there has been no push back at all from cricketers on the safety recommendations the review is expected to hand down.

There is unlikely to be anything out of the ordinary contained in the review, and many of the recommendations are well on their way to be implemented.

England captain Alastair Cook and leading batsmen Nick Compton and Jonathan Trott have spoken out in defiance of new helmet regulations handed down by the ECB.

However, the feedback to the ACA at this point would suggest Australia’s cricketers are prepared to support the Curtain recommendations regardless of the potential impact it might have on their comfort levels and habits.

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