Friday 15 April 2016 16:42, UK
The England and Wales Cricket Board has again spoken to England captain Alastair Cook following his decision to defy new regulations and wear an old-style helmet.
Officials from the ECB contacted Cook on Thursday to remind him of the new regulations after he refused to wear a helmet which meets new safety rules.
Cook scored 105 and 35 not out in Essex's 10-wicket victory over Gloucestershire in their opening County Championship Division Two match this week.
It is understood the umpires at Chelmsford and the ECB were aware that Cook's helmet failed to meet the new regulations, but chose not to enforce the new rules.
New helmets which comply to British Safety Standard BS7928:13 have a smaller gap between the peak and grille and are not adjustable on each side.
The rules were changed after numerous high-profile injuries, including to Stuart Broad and Craig Keiswetter, when a cricket ball penetrated beyond the helmet's protective grille.
If Cook continues to use the Gray-Nicholls helmet, both county and Test umpires can ask him to leave the field.
Cook has been made available for Essex's first four County Championship matches and is due to play next against Sussex at Hove on Sunday.
He is due to lead the England team out again in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Headingley on May 19.
Cook's Essex and England team-mate Ravi Bopara sympathises with anyone having to readjust to the new helmet style, but believes too that safety has to be paramount.
"I admit it myself, it is tough to start using those helmets - you do lose the ball for that less than a split-second, and that makes a whole load of difference to a lot of players," Bopara told Sky Sports News HQ.
"It makes them feel uncomfortable. So I understand where Cookie's coming from. But when it comes to the guidelines and safety, we all have to be aware of that."
Over a career, a batsman naturally becomes accustomed to the view of the ball his preferred helmet allows.
Bopara added: "Because of the safety aspect, with everything that has happened ... we are told we have to wear the helmets that meets the standard guidelines.
"It is difficult for players to change helmets like that, because you get so used to wearing a certain one which you're comfortable with - and you have your visor as wide as you want it.
"But the problem with the new helmets is you can't move the visors - you've just got to look at the hole that's there.
"Sometimes, that bar that goes across can get in the way."
