Umpire Tony de Nobrega Hospitalized Following Facial Injury in WA Cricket Match

Western Australian umpire Tony de Nobrega was hospitalized after being hit in the face by a cricket ball during a third-grade match between North Perth and Wembley Districts in the West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Association (WASTCA) at Charles Veryard Reserve. The ball, struck powerfully by a batsman, caused a painful injury, but de Nobrega…


Umpire Tony de Nobrega Hospitalized Following Facial Injury in WA Cricket Match

Western Australian umpire Tony de Nobrega was hospitalized after being hit in the face by a cricket ball during a third-grade match between North Perth and Wembley Districts in the West Australian Suburban Turf Cricket Association (WASTCA) at Charles Veryard Reserve.

The ball, struck powerfully by a batsman, caused a painful injury, but de Nobrega was lucky to avoid broken bones. He spent the night in the hospital for observation, with doctors monitoring his condition as surgery remains a possibility.

The WASTCA Umpires Association shared their support, posting on Facebook:
“Tony was fortunate not to have any broken bones but remains under observation as surgery hasn’t been ruled out. We wish him a fast recovery and look forward to seeing him back soon. The umpiring team is right behind you, Tony.”

This incident highlights the dangers umpires face on the field. Similar accidents have occurred in the past, including tragic fatalities like John Williams in 2019 and Hillel Oscar in 2014.

To reduce such risks, some umpires have adopted protective gear. Australian umpire Gerard Abood wore a helmet in Big Bash matches, while Bruce Oxenford designed a forearm shield for added safety. Oxenford developed the idea after a fellow umpire, John Ward, suffered a severe head injury, emphasizing the growing challenges umpires face with the increasing speed of modern cricket.


Gill to miss out on opening Test against Australia


Safety innovations like these continue to evolve as cricket becomes faster and more intense.