Cricket Helmet and Neck Guard
Also known as: cricket helmet, neck guard, neck protector, stem guard, cricket helmet rules, helmet with a grille
A 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.
Helmets absorb some of the force of a ball strike. The grille keeps the ball off the face, jaw and eyes. Neck guards attach to the rear base of the helmet. They are designed to reduce how often, and how badly, the rear upper neck is injured. The ICC requires any helmet worn when batting in international cricket to meet British Standard BS 7928:2013. The 2019 update to that standard added a test for neck protectors.
Rules depend on where and at what level you play. In England and Wales, ECB regulations require under-18s to wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball. That applies in matches and in practice. The ECB recommends that adults do the same. It strongly advises all cricketers to wear a neck protector whenever they wear a helmet. From October 2023, Cricket Australia made neck protectors compulsory for batters facing fast or medium pace in its competitions. Check your own governing body and league.
A helmet only protects you if it fits and is worn properly. Follow the maker's sizing and fitting guide. The ECB recommends that a junior's helmet is tested against the size of ball they play with. Where a women's ball is used, it recommends a helmet tested against both junior and adult balls. A smaller ball could pass through the gap above the faceguard of a men's helmet. Keep the helmet on at the non-striker's end too. If you are struck on the head, stop and get checked by a qualified medical professional.
Tips by skill level
Wear your helmet every time you face a hard ball, in the nets as well as in matches. Add a neck guard and get the fit checked when you buy.
Keep your helmet and neck guard on for ramps, scoops and hooks too. Those shots bring the ball close to the face and neck.
Example
A 15-year-old batting in club nets against a bowling machine wears a helmet with a grille and a neck guard. Under ECB rules she must wear the helmet. The neck guard is strongly advised.
Why it matters
A cricket ball is hard and travels fast. A helmet and neck guard worn every time you face a hard ball are designed to reduce the risk of serious head and neck injury.
Common mistakes
- Taking the helmet off at the non-striker's end or between deliveries
- Wearing a helmet without a neck guard against fast bowling
- Using a helmet that does not fit or has been altered
- Assuming a helmet tested for a men's ball also suits a women's or junior ball
Frequently asked questions
Is a neck guard compulsory in cricket?
It depends on where and at what level you play. In England and Wales recreational cricket, neck guards are strongly advised but not compulsory. Cricket Australia made them compulsory for batters facing fast or medium pace in its competitions from October 2023. Check your league's rules.
Do you have to wear a helmet in cricket?
In England and Wales, players under 18 must wear a helmet with a faceguard or grille when batting against a hard ball. That includes practice. Adults are recommended to wear one. Other countries and leagues set their own rules.
What safety standard should a cricket helmet meet?
Look for a helmet certified to British Standard BS 7928:2013. The ICC requires it for international batters, and the ECB recommends it. For neck guards, the ECB recommends BS 7928:2013+A1:2019.
Sources
- ECB Recreational Cricket Safety Guidelines (Dec 2025 update): helmet and neck-protector recommendations and standards, pp. 2-3 and 13-14
- ICC: Helmets regulations (BS 7928:2013, 2019 update adding neck-protector tests)
- Cricket Australia: 2023-24 playing conditions changes, neck protectors mandatory from 1 October 2023
Related terms
- 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.
- Playing Fast BowlingTo play fast bowling, finish any trigger movement before the ball is released so you are still and balanced. Watch the ball from the hand, decide forward or back early and play the ball late under your eyes. Leave balls outside off stump and have a clear plan for the short ball.
- Pull ShotThe pull shot is a back-foot, cross-bat stroke played to a short-pitched ball. It swings the ball around to the leg side, usually between mid-wicket and square leg.
- Hook ShotThe hook shot is an attacking batting stroke played to a short-pitched, rising ball aimed at the body or head — the batter pivots and whips the ball to the leg side, often in front of square.
- Ramp and Scoop ShotsA ramp or scoop deflects the ball over the wicket-keeper or the fine fielders, using the bowler's pace. Set up early and get low, open the bat face and get under the ball so it rises over your shoulder. Always wear a helmet with a faceguard. A miss or a top edge can hit the face.
Cricket analysis is in development
Motion Lab does not analyze this sport yet. Keep exploring the terms in this section.