An Israeli cricket umpire has died after being hit by a ball during a league match in the city of Ashdod, the Israel Cricket Association has announced.
Former national team captain Hillel Oscar was officiating in the game between Young Ashdod and Super Lions Lod when he was struck below the jaw by a ball hit by a batsman.
The incident comes just two days after the death of Australia Test player Phillip Hughes, who also suffered fatal injuries after being hit by a bouncer bowled during a Sheffield Shield match.
In a statement on Facebook, Israel Cricket Association said: “Today, another cricketing tragedy has taken the life of our very own Hillel Oscar, the former Israeli cricket captain.
“All of the Israel cricket family is in deep mourning at his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Hillel’s family.”
ICA chief executive Naor Gudker added: "The entire Israel Cricket Association and players bow their heads in his memory. He was a wonderful man, cricketer, and umpire.
Oscar’s wife, Jenny, told YNet web site that the incident had occurred moments after a minute’s silence for Australia batsman Phillip Hughes, who died in hospital on Thursday after being struck by a ball during a domestic first-class match in Sydney.
Cricket is not a professional sport in Israel but Ashdod is one of the main centres, where a large number of Jewish immigrants from India live. The fixture between Young Ashdod and Lions Lod was being played on the last day of the season.
