For the last 5 seasons. I've always worn a helmet.
And for longer than that I wore thigh pad, inner as well as the normal stuff.never thought I'd need more.
Due to a freak illness I knew nothing off at the time I ended up injured.
I went into a net this winter kitted up as usually.
Our resident idiot pitched a shorter ball. Which I tried to glance but missed. and it creamed me in the side.
5 days later I'm in agony and rushed to hospital. Ruptured spleen! Granted a cricket ball shouldn't have damaged it, but I had a viral infection that had weakened my internal organs and the ball was all that was needed to pop it.
6 months off work, 6 months of my family having to take care of me, half this season missed (and the second half unfit and out of form).
All because i never wore a chest guard. Never even thought of wearing one.
Cost me a lot.
Facial damage could be worse, don't risk not wearing a helmet!