Marnus Labuschagne stepped into history when he was considered as a replacement for injured Steve Smith of day five of second Ashes Test. This was the first use of a concussion substitute in international cricket introduced by the ICC.
The Story
Former Australia skipper Steve Smith received a nasty blow on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer on day four. He failed to pass the concussion test before the start of the play on day five. Australian team management immediately applied for the replacement and Marnus Labuschagne entered the scene. All-rounder Marnus Labuschagne had been brought as Smith’s replacement, which also makes the former, first player to come in as a like-for-like substitution for concussion.
A statement regarding the same by Australia Cricket Board read, “Despite the unfortunate nature of what has happened, the positive is that the concussion protocol, including the availability of the concussion substitute, which has been recently brought in has served its purpose. A player is no longer under pressure to take the field when he or she displays symptoms of concussion and a side is not disadvantaged having lost a player to a blow to the head or neck.”
The replacement rule was recently introduced by the ICC, which came into effect from August 1 which allows the substitute to bat and bowl.
Labuschange shines
Labuschannge was in the ground throughout the England second innings but did not bowl his leg-spin. During batting, he showed his class and proved the decision made by the board right. He also had a nasty blow on his helmet grill on the second ball by Archer but he was immediately up of on his feet. Labuschagne finally delivered a fighting 59, the highest score in Australia’s second innings and saved the Test for his team.
With Smith’s availability being an issue even in the next Test, Labuschange ensures his place in playing eleven.
