The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly close to allowing like-for-like replacements for external injuries. The report comes after Rishabh Pant suffered a fractured toe on Day 1 of IND vs ENG 4th Test at Old Trafford. While the southpaw did come out to bat despite being in pain on Day 2, the ICC rules at present state that substitute players are currently not allowed to bat or bowl and cam only field, given the umpire approves.
Pant’s injury to force ICC to implement new rule?
As per Times of India, a source claimed that there is a chance for teams to bring in replacements for serious external injuries. The report stated that the matter was already being discussed by the ICC and that a ratification could be passed in the next cricket committee meeting.
“There is a chance that teams will get to bring in a replacement for serious external injuries. The matter is already under deliberation. A ratification is expected in the next ICC cricket committee meeting,” an ICC source said.
Pant was hit on his left toe on Day 1 while attempting a reverse sweep off Chris Woakes. He was seen hobbling and writhing in pain and was subsequently carried off the field. While the BCCI confirmed that Dhruv Jurel will keep wickets, Pant returned to bat on Day 2 and scored a gritty fifty, earning a standing ovation at Old Trafford.
While Pant did come out and bat in the 1st innings since it was a do or die situation for India, it might not be the case in the 2nd innings. A change in the ICC rule could allow teams to replace players in the match who have sustained serious injuries while also ensuring that the substitute can bat or bowl.
In the IND vs ENG 3rd Test at Lord’s, Pant was hit on his finger while attempting to save a delivery from going to the boundary off Bumrah. Similarly, he was replaced by Jurel behind the stumps, but the latter couldn’t bat in the game due to the ICC rules.
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