Editing Fielding (cricket) (section)

== Protective equipment ==
[[File:Close fielders.jpg|thumb|A silly point (far) and a short leg (near) fielding for Nottinghamshire. Both are wearing helmets. The wicket-keeper's shin pads are on the outside of their trousers, but the fielders must fit their guards underneath their clothing.]]

No member of the fielding side other than the [[wicket-keeper]] may wear gloves or external leg guards, though fielders (in particular players fielding near to the bat) may also wear [[Tibia|shin]] protectors, groin protectors ('boxes') and chest protectors beneath their clothing. Apart from the wicket-keeper, protection for the hand or fingers may be worn only with the consent of the umpires.<ref name=Law28>{{cite web |url=https://www.lords.org/mcc/laws-of-cricket/laws/law-28-the-fielder/ |title=Law 28 – The fielder |publisher=MCC |access-date=29 September 2017}}</ref>

Fielders are permitted to wear a helmet and face guard. This is usually employed in a position such as silly point or silly mid-wicket, where proximity to the batter gives little time to avoid a shot directly at their head. If the helmet is only being used for overs from one end, it will be placed behind the wicket-keeper when not in use. Some grounds have purpose-built temporary storage for the helmet, shin pads etc., in the form of a cavity beneath the field, accessed through a hatch about {{convert|1|m|ft|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} across flush with the grass. 5 penalty runs are awarded to the batting side should the ball touch a fielder's headgear whilst it is not being worn, unless the ball previously struck a batter not attempting to hit or avoid the ball. This rule was introduced in the 19th century to prevent the unfair practice of a fielder using a hat (often a [[top hat]]) to take a catch.<ref name=Law28/>

As cricket balls are hard and can travel at high speeds off the bat, protective equipment is recommended to prevent injury. There have been [[List of fatalities while playing cricket|a few recorded deaths in cricket]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/22523177/rewind-1998-tragic-death-raman-lamba | title=The tragic death of Raman Lamba | first=Martin | last=Williamson | publisher=ESPN Cricinfo | date=14 August 2010 | access-date=12 October 2020 }} On 20 February 1998, Raman Lamba fielding at forward short-leg without a helmet on, was struck on the forehead.</ref> but they are extremely rare, and not always related to fielding.<ref>[http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/story/803719.html On 25 November 2014, Phil Hughes batting with a helmet on, suffered a blow to the back of the neck.]</ref>