A 72-year-old Welsh cricket umpire died after an "unfortunate accident" in Swansea, UK, when he stepped into the path of a ball thrown at the stumps and was hit on the head, a Swansea inquest heard.

The inquest heard that Alcwyn Jenkins was umpiring a match between Swansea and Llangennech on the afternoon of July 4, 2009.

Jenkins was concentrating so hard on a potential run-out that he did not appear to hear warning shouts and was hit on the head.

The 72-year-old was flown by air ambulance to Swansea's Morriston Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

PC Michael Chislett, who investigated the death, told the inquest that Jenkins had his back to the fielder as he moved into position to determine if there was a run out.

"It could have been that he was so professional he would not take his eyes off the stumps," The Sun quoted Chislett, as saying.

Chislett added that a number of players shouted a warning, but the ball struck Jenkins on the right side of his head. (ANI)