Umpire's Bizarre Way Of Protecting Himself

Australian umpire Bruce Oxenford has caused a stir in England's second One Day International against Sri Lanka in Birmingham.

He took charge of the match at Edgbaston wearing a self-designed transparent forearm shield, which many viewers had never seen before.

The keenest of cricket-watchers will know, however, that it's not the first time Oxenford has worn the custom-built apparatus.

Oxenford for a T20 warm-up match between Australia and the West Indies in March.
The 56-year-old has also been using the shield in umpiring duties in the Indian Premier League this spring.

There's been a trend toward improving protective equipment for umpires since Australia's John Ward was hospitalised last year after taking a batted ball to the head.

Since then, Ward has taken to wearing a helmet while umpiring - as have fellow Australian Gerard Abood and India's Paschim Pathak.

Umpires at the T20 World Cup were issued helmets, but not required to wear them.
Oxenford appears to be the first umpire to have worn a forearm protector of this kind in England.

England and Sri Lanka tied the first match of their five-match ODI series, played at Trent Bridge.

After Friday's match at Edgbaston, the two sides will face off at the Bristol County Ground, The Kia Oval, and Sohpia Gardens.

source: the daily mail