Neutral Doctors Should Be Appointed To Make Concussion Decision - Mark Waugh

Former Australian batsman, Mark Waugh feels that the ICC should consider implementing a neutral medical officer or a doctor to make calls on the concussion of a player. Waugh’s comments came after the concussion saga which took place in the first T20I between India and Australia in Canberra.

During the first T20I, Ravindra Jadeja was struck on the helmet by a Mitchell Starc bouncer. However, he did not receive any medical attention and continued batting. India brought in Yuzvendra Chahal as his substitute. Chahal picked three wickets which derailed the Australian innings, and was named the Man of the Match.

Before getting hit by the bouncer, Jadeja was seen struggling with a hamstring strain. And when the news broke that Chahal is replacing him as a concussion substitute, Justin Langer, head coach of the Australian team was videoed having a heated discussion with the match referee.

All-rounder, Moises Henriques after the game seems confused and questioned whether Chahal is a like-for-like replacement for Jadeja.

I’m not saying the Indian team doctor did anything wrong: Mark Waugh

Mark Waugh has opined that the ICC should think of appointing a neutral medical officer or a doctor to decide on the concussion.

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Mark Waugh said, “I think something the ICC has to look at is whether you need a neutral appointed doctor to make the concussion decision.

Waugh made it clear that in no way he is implying that the Indian team doctor did anything wrong or unfair. The 55-year-old understands that the Indian team was well within their rights to use Chahal as a concussion substitute for Jadeja.

“Obviously the team doctor of the Indian team made that ruling. I’m not saying he did anything wrong, but I think the ICC needs to look at employing a medical officer or doctor who is neutral to make the decision,” Mark Waugh added.

From 114/6, Jadeja took the team to a total of 161 with his 23-ball 44. India has clinched the series by defeating the hosts on Sunday in Sydney.

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