Phillip Hughes: ICC chief David Richardson says action on bouncers is 'unlikely'

ICC chief calls for perspective amid cries for change

Hughes in Durban in 2009, celebrating the first of his two centuries in the second Test against South Africa (Reuters)

Action is unlikely to be taken to prevent bouncers despite the tragic death of Australia international Phillip Hughes, according to David Richardson, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council.

Hughes passed away on Thursday two days after being struck on the top of the neck by a ball during a domestic match in Sydney.

"We need to try and keep our perspective," Richardson told BBC 5 Live.

When asked if there was any chance of curtailing the use of the short ball, he was equally thoughtful about the subject.

"It's a bit early to determine, but my initial reaction is that that's unlikely.

"People have died by being struck on the heart before. I don't think cricket needs to overreact, but do what we can."

Hughes, who played for Hampshire, Middlesex and Worcestershire during a successful career, was hit by a delivery from bowler Sean Abbott.

"It's an understatement to say we're completely devastated," said Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland.

"The word tragedy gets used too often in sport, but this freak accident is a real life tragedy."

Former wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist added his opinions on the matter, describing bouncers as 'part and parcel of the challenge between bat and ball'.

"I guess we could extend the helmet a little bit further down the back of the neck," he told the programme.

"We've always thought it is maybe the temple, the cheekbones, the skull itself that we needed to protect - and that still remains - but now we are going to look at any ways of curtailing blows to the neck."