Hit on head by ball, South African cricketer Darryn Randall dies

Cricket South Africa have said that the player was wearing helmet at the time of the incident

South African club cricketer Darryn Randall died yesterday in a tragic incident after he was hit on the side of his head while playing a pull shot in a Border Cricket Board Premier League match at Alice in the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

In a match between Old Selbornians and Fore Hare University, Darryn tried to play a pull shot, but fell on the crease after being hit on the side of his head by the rising delivery. He was immediately taken to a hospital, but couldn’t be revived there.

ESPNCricinfo was told by a South African spokesperson that Darryn was wearing a helmet, “as all players are required to do”.

On the unfortunate incident, CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said, “This is a very sad day, indeed. I would like to convey CSA’s deepest condolences on behalf of the South African cricketing family not just to his family and friends but also to all the players, umpires, clubs and everybody else who was present at this match. CSA will be offering counselling to all those involved.”

Having played 4 first-class and 4 list-A games for Border in 2009 as a pupil at Stirling Primary and Selborne College in East London, he later started his career in coaching. He ran a highly regarded cricket academy at Stirling Premier School.

Darryn is survived by his mother and his fiancee.

In a similar case in 1998, India’s Raman Lamba died after he was hit on the head while fielding at forward short leg in a local match without a helmet in Bangladesh.

Mark Boucher tweeted about Darryn’s death:

Thoughts and prayers go out to the Randells! Such sad news! Darren was a special boy! Life is short guys! Live it like there’s no tomorrow!

— mark boucher (@markb46) October 27, 2013