Summary Banning bouncers following the death of Phillip Hughes would be unfair on bowlers, says Sehwag
MUMBAI: (Reuters) - Banning bouncers following the death of Australia s Phillip Hughes would be unfair on bowlers because batsmen always have the option of ducking under short-pitched deliveries, former India opener Virender Sehwag said on Tuesday.
Hughes, who would have been 26 at the weekend, died last Thursday from an injury caused by a ball striking him on the back of the head during a domestic match, triggering a huge outpouring of grief in Australia and around the world.
Restricting Sehwag in full flow has been a very difficult task for bowlers over the years but the 36-year-old, who has scored two triple centuries in tests, feels there should be no clampdown on bouncers.
"It was very sad that Hughes died in such a way. But it s part of cricket and injuries are part of any sport," Sehwag told reporters at a promotional event organised by MoneyGram to mark next year s 50-over World Cup.
"You have an option to duck bouncers as a batsman. If you cut out the bouncers, then there is no fun left in the game and it s already a batsman s game.
"I have been hit on the helmet by quite a few bouncers. But it s a weapon for the bowlers so they should not be robbed off it."
The flamboyant right-hander, who last played for India in March 2013, was an integral part of the country s World Cup-winning team in 2011 on home soil.
He has not given up hope of playing in next year s tournament in Australia and New Zealand and believes India have the strength to defend the trophy.
Leading up to the World Cup, India will play a triangular one-day series in Australia along with England but a four-test series starting this month will be their priority.
Very strong at home, India s problems on their travels have been well documented with the team losing 13 of their last 17 test matches on foreign soil. They were thrashed 4-0 on their last trip Down Under.
"I think we have a very good chance of doing well in Australia because the conditions will not be like in England where the ball swings and seams," Sehwag said, referring to India s series loss in England this year.
"The only thing will be the extra bounce and I am hoping our team will be able to adjust to that and do well."
