The ECB have endorsed changes which mean helmet use is to be made mandatory for batsmen from next season in English first-class cricket.

The changes mean batsmen will have to wear helmets to face medium-pace and spin bowling as well as pace, while some fielders will also have to wear the protection.

Wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps and most fielders closer than eight yards will have to don helmets, but slips, behind the wicket on the off side, will be exempt.

The announcement of the changes came almost a year to the day since the death of Australian batsman Phillip Hughes after being struck on the top of the neck by a Sean Abbott delivery, despite wearing a helmet.

All male and female cricketers playing in professional cricket matches will be required to use helmets which meet the latest British safety standard, while the ECB is also recommending that all recreational cricketers wear helmets.

ECB chief medical officer Nick Peirce said: “As we have seen in recent times, the cricket ball can cause significant injury and it is extremely important that players take the appropriate precautions when batting, keeping wicket or fielding close to the stumps.”