ICC set to start ‘Serious Injury’ replacements trial in domestic first-class cricket from October

In a recent development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a new rule for "like-for-like" player replacements in domestic first-class cricket. According to the rules, players who suffer a "serious injury" during a game will be allowed to be replaced at any time, including during the warm-up period.

The issue of serious injuries gained attention during Zimbabwe’s recent Test against England when fast bowler Richard Ngarava suffered a back injury on the opening day at Trent Bridge. He returned to the field later but was not allowed to bowl due to spending too much time off the pitch.

Ngarava was in visible discomfort and eventually left the field again. This situation has raised calls for more flexible substitution rules in cricket. Notably, the ICC decided to trial "like-for-like" injury replacements in domestic first-class matches.

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ICC to Begin Six-Month Trial of Injury Substitutes in Domestic First-Class Cricket

The ICC is set to trial full "like-for-like" injury replacements in domestic first-class cricket, according to a BBC report. Currently, substitutions are permitted only for concussions, while replacements for other injuries are limited to fielding or wicketkeeping duties and cannot bat or bowl.

Full-member nations can test the use of a like-for-like substitute at any point, provided the injury is serious. The rule will not apply to minor issues like muscle niggles or hamstring pulls. The substitute must possess a skill set similar to that of the injured player.

“Substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicketkeeper only with the consent of the umpires,” the relevant law states.

Serious Injuries Can Severely Impact Teams with No Full Replacements Allowed

A serious injury can leave a team at a significant disadvantage, especially if it loses a key bowler or batter. With runners no longer permitted, batting sides are also affected when players get hurt.

Earlier this year, Jasprit Bumrah suffered a back injury during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Sydney. Bumrah, who had been exceptional throughout the series, was forced to leave the field, and his absence helped Australia seize the advantage and win the series, their first in a decade.

No substitute could have truly matched Bumrah’s calibre, but a like-for-like replacement would have at least provided India with another bowling option in a high-stakes match.

Approval of Injury Replacement Rule May Require Stricter Oversight from Umpires

The ICC will begin a six-month trial in October, allowing full-member nations to use like-for-like replacements for serious injuries in domestic first-class matches. Test regulations currently do not permit full substitutions, except in cases of concussion.

If the rule is approved following the trial, umpires will need to remain highly alert to prevent potential misuse. In the past, teams have used regular substitutes strategically, rotating fresh fielders to give bowlers rest.

There have also been concerns that the concussion protocol has been exploited, with teams allegedly introducing players better suited to conditions rather than truly comparable replacements. The trial will help assess whether such substitutions can be implemented fairly and effectively.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah’s Test axing strongly demanded ahead of the 2nd match against England