Climate change report reveals rising temperatures will force changes to game of cricket
Some of cricket's longest held traditions could be under threat due to , according to a new report. Leading scientists and sports physiologists joined forces to examine the current and future impact of climate change and extreme heat on sport in cricket-playing nations. Radical changes were recommended to reduce the physical and mental toll on players in the report released at Lord's in this week. One of the most drastic changes was the suggestion players may soon ditch the traditional long trousers for shorts. 'Clothing could have to change to allow particularly batsmen to evaporate sweat more easily,' the report states. 'Cricket authorities may consider allowing players to wear shorts under extreme conditions, while major kit and equipment manufacturers would be advised to accelerate testing of helmets, gloves and protective padding that enhance air-flow and keep players cool.' The report states while effects of climate change will increase in the future, its impacts are happening now. During the 2018 UK summer heatwave, Lord's took the unusual step of temporarily relaxing dress codes for members. As temperatures continues to rise, implications for cricket include more games being postponed to cooler times of the day, poor player performance and increased likelihood of heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. The report used the example of England captain Joe Root, who was hospitalised during the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the 2017-18 Ashes series. Root suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea before the start of the final day of the series. 'The ambient temperature at weather stations near the ground reached 43.7C. It is likely that he was suffering from a gastro-intestinal infection and consequent dehydration- both of which, as noted, increase the likelihood of experiencing heat-related problems,' the report states. Root went on to record a half century at the crease before retiring due to illness. Australia has since updated its heat policy, with other nations urged in the report to follow their lead. Eight out of the ten hottest years in Australia's history have occurred since 2005. If global warming continues at current rates, Adelaide and Perth will see a 60 per cent increase in 40C plus days by 2030. Cricket associations in some of the hottest parts of Australia have since adjusted 'We cracked the record last January, when we were looking for a cool change to be under 40C and we went for three consecutive days over 46C,' club secretary Peter Kelly told the . 'Never had anything like that. Couple of hot days was it, and now we're getting weeks of it.' The report also urged cricket authorities to invest in water efficiency initiatives to minimise the game's drain on regional and national water resources. Australian Conservation Foundation's Director of Campaigns Dr Paul Sinclair is also president of Youlden Parkville Cricket Club in Melbourne. The club is the first in the world to join UN's Sport for Climate Action Initiative and Dr Dr Sinclair has urged Cricket Australia to follow suit. 'Cricket is at risk of being bowled over by climate change,' Dr Sinclair said. 'Climate change means more games postponed, an increased likelihood of heat stroke and poorer performance due to heat-affected cognitive deterioration.'