Concussion After a Blow to the Head
Also known as: concussion in cricket, hit on the helmet, hit on the head by a cricket ball, concussion symptoms, if in doubt sit them out, return to play after concussion
If a batter is hit on the head or helmet and might be concussed, they should stop playing straight away. If in doubt, sit them out. They should be assessed by a healthcare professional within 24 hours. Under ECB recreational guidelines, there is no return to competitive cricket for at least 21 days after a confirmed concussion. Severe warning signs, such as repeated vomiting or worsening drowsiness, need emergency care.
This is general information, not medical advice. Concussion is a brain injury. It can follow a ball on the helmet, a collision or a fall, and you do not have to be knocked out. The ECB notes that loss of consciousness happens in fewer than 1 in 10 concussions. Signs include a dazed look, slow answers, poor balance or confusion. The player may report a headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, or simply not feeling right. Symptoms can take 24 to 48 hours to appear. A helmet can reduce the risk of serious injury, but it cannot stop every concussion.
The ECB's recreational guidelines start with 'If in doubt, sit them out'. Remove the player from play straight away, even if they say they feel fine. Get them assessed by a healthcare professional within 24 hours, or in the UK call NHS 111. They should not be left alone, drive or drink alcohol in the first 24 hours. Red flags mean going to A&E or calling emergency services. Those include any loss of consciousness, worsening drowsiness or confusion, and a severe or increasing headache. Repeated vomiting, a seizure, severe neck pain, double vision or new weakness are also red flags.
Recovery starts with 24 to 48 hours of relative rest, then a step-by-step return to daily life and then to cricket. Under the ECB guidelines there should be no return to competitive cricket for at least 21 days after a confirmed concussion. The player must also have been symptom-free for 14 days. Anyone whose symptoms last longer than 28 days should seek further medical help. Other countries and competitions have their own protocols, so follow the one that applies to you.
Tips by skill level
If you are hit on the helmet and feel at all strange, tell your coach or umpire and come off. Being honest about symptoms protects you.
Captains and coaches should know their club's concussion plan and who the responsible adult is. That way nobody has to make the call alone in the moment.
Example
A bouncer hits a junior batter on the grille. She says she is fine but looks dazed and is slow to answer. Her coach takes her off, a parent calls NHS 111, and she follows the graded return before playing again.
Why it matters
Continuing to play with a concussion risks a second, more serious injury. Recognising it and stopping early is the most important thing anyone at the ground can do.
Common mistakes
- Letting a player bat on because they say they feel fine
- Thinking you can only be concussed if you are knocked out
- Leaving a concussed player alone or letting them drive home
- Returning to matches before the full graded return is complete
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I get hit on the helmet?
Stop and tell your coach or the umpire, and come off if there is any doubt. Get checked by a healthcare professional within 24 hours, and do no cricket for at least 24 hours. Seek emergency care for severe warning signs.
How long after a concussion can you play cricket?
Under the ECB's recreational guidelines, no competitive cricket for at least 21 days after a confirmed concussion. You must also have been symptom-free for 14 days, after a graded return to activity.
What are the signs of concussion in cricket?
Dazed or vacant looks, slow answers, poor balance and confusion. The player may report headache, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision or not feeling right. Symptoms can appear up to 48 hours later.
Sources
Related terms
- Cricket Helmet and Neck GuardA cricket helmet with a faceguard or grille protects the head and face from the ball. A neck guard, or stem guard, attaches to the back of the helmet to protect the upper neck. Rules vary by country and level. In England and Wales, under-18s must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball.
- BouncerA bouncer is a fast, short-pitched delivery that rears up toward the batter's head or chest. It is used to intimidate, disrupt balance, and set up the fuller ball.
- Fear of Getting Hit by the BallBeing scared of a hard cricket ball is normal. Confidence comes from kit that fits and step-by-step practice that raises the pace slowly. It also comes from learning to watch the ball and get out of its way safely. After a blow, especially to the head, stop and get checked before batting again.
- Common Batting Injuries and PreventionCommon batting injuries include blows to the hands, fingers and thighs, blows to the head, hamstring strains while running between the wickets, and lower back soreness. Wear protective kit that fits, warm up before you bat and build running fitness. Stop if something hurts, and see a qualified medical professional about pain that persists.
- Batting Pads, Gloves and Protective GearTo bat against a hard ball you need a helmet, batting pads, batting gloves and a box (abdominal guard). Most batters add a thigh pad. An arm guard, chest guard and inner thigh pad give extra protection against pace. Make sure every piece fits and lets you move freely.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.