Kane Williamson has officially launched a new line of protective boxes for cricketers in Wellington, New Zealand, on March 12, 2026. This initiative comes after Williamson’s personal experience of being struck by a delivery from fast bowler Dale Steyn in 2012, which resulted in significant injury and highlighted the inadequacies of existing protective gear.

The newly developed boxes are specifically designed to shield players from high-speed impacts exceeding 140 km/hr (87 mph). Williamson’s product line aims to provide enhanced protection for cricketers facing fast bowlers, addressing a critical need in the sport.

Co-founded under the brand name ‘Cover’, the boxes utilize a premium alloy shell capable of withstanding ball speeds well over 200 km/hr. This innovative design seeks to rectify the shortcomings of traditional protective gear, which has often left players vulnerable to serious injuries.

Williamson remarked on his past experience, stating, “It was extremely painful and it just absolutely dropped me.” His painful encounter has driven the development of this new product line, emphasizing the necessity for high-quality protective gear in cricket.

Despite the existence of protective boxes, players have occasionally suffered significant injuries from high-speed deliveries. Williamson’s initiative aims to improve player safety across various levels of competitive play, making it a timely addition to cricket equipment.

The launch has garnered interest from both professional and amateur cricketers, reflecting a widespread recognition of the need for better protective solutions in the sport. As Williamson noted, “The protection players were relying on wasn’t up to the demands of the modern game.”

Jason Low, a representative of the brand, added, “The box uses a premium alloy shell capable of handling ball speeds well over 200 km/hr,” reinforcing the product’s advanced safety features.

Williamson’s initiative highlights the ongoing evolution of cricket equipment, as players and manufacturers alike seek to enhance safety standards. While boxes have long been a staple of cricket kit, the reality remains that players are still occasionally left writhing after being struck low by a fast ball.

As the cricket community begins to embrace this new protective gear, the hope is that it will lead to a significant reduction in injuries related to high-speed deliveries, ultimately improving the safety of the game.

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