*Warning* viewers may find some of this content distressing.
When Phillip Hughes died after being struck by a cricket ball at the Sydney Cricket Ground in November 2014, his death was described as a ‘freak accident’ and a ‘million to one’ chance. However, research on Trove shows that nearly 200 Australians have died in cricket accidents since the first recorded fatality in 1858, with about half of these deaths occurring in formal matches in district, suburban, church and country competitions and the remainder in backyard, street and social games.
Tom Gara collaborated with several sports medicine experts on a detailed study of cricket fatalities which led to the introduction by Cricket Australia of the compulsory wearing of helmets by batters, wicket-keepers and close-in fielders in all grades of cricket. In this presentation Tom discussed the results of his research and the ways in which Trove has revolutionised historical research.
This talk is also available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bNyR4ql8Vco
This free public lecture is part of the History Trust's Talking History Online series. For more on upcoming talks visit - https://history.sa.gov.au/where-to-learn-more/talking-history/
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