The first T20I between India and Australia saw a rare moment in international cricket. The game saw the newly added rule of concussion substitute come into play as Yuzvendra Chahal, who was not a part of India’s first XI, play the game as a concussion substitute. He replaced Ravindra Jadeja who was hit on the head during his innings. The replays showed a clear mark on Jadeja’s helmet who was hit hard by the ball.
Meanwhile, the match referee and the third umpire intervened and allowed India to field Chahal as the concussion substitute. This happened after the medical staff in accordance with the match referee and the third umpire had a proper check-up and assessment of Jadeja.
Chahal first Indian to win the man of the match as a concussion substitute
Yuzvendra Chahal proved to be the match-winner for India as his spell turned the game in India’s favour. He took 3 for 25 which included the wickets of Aaron Finch and Steve Smith.
Aussie skipper Aaron Finch was miffed with Yuzvendra Chahal’s replacement as a concussion substitute. Australian coach Justin Langer also had a heated argument with match referee David Boon before the start of the second innings.
“The injury got progressively worse as the game went on (about his injury to the hip). Their doctor had ruled Jadeja out due to concussion. You can’t be challenging a medical expert’s opinion. We probably leaked too may runs at the death. Then while chasing, we didn’t hit too many boundaries in the 6-over period,” Aaron Finch said.
Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal was over the moon with his performance for Team India after being called in as a substitute. This was India’s ninth consecutive T20I win.
“I have played so many games and was mentally fit. 10-15 minutes before the start of the innings, I got to know I will play. The way Zampa bowled, I tried to do the same as well. It was a little harder to score in the first innings. 150-160 is a good score on this wicket. I bowled according to my plans” said Chahal after he was adjudged the Man of the Match.
Cricket Experts React To Concussion Substitute Rule On Twitter:
The only thing we need to be careful about before passing judgement on the concussion substitute episode was whether there was delayed concussion; whether he showed symptoms after going back to the dressing room. We don't yet know the answer to that. At the time, didn't look bad
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 4, 2020
I have no issue with Jadeja being substitute with Chahal. But I do have an issue with a Doctor & Physio not being present after Jadeja was struck on the helmet which I believe is protocol now? #AusvInd
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) December 4, 2020
Jadeja was limping before he got hit on the head ,match referee allows concussion sub , Chahal the SUB is ruling the roost now ,strange course of events …. 😀 #CricitwithBadri #AUSvsIND
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) December 4, 2020
Since concussion rule has come into play, I have said all injuries should have a replacement with the amount of cricket played. Concussion caused by miss judgement, physical injury is stress on the body. A player will try & push on with physical injury. #cricket #INDVAUS #AUSvIND https://t.co/2AMAv7rvZA
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 4, 2020
The concussion substitute rule will not go down well in the Australian dressingroom… I guess! #AUSvIND
— Pragyan Ojha (@pragyanojha) December 4, 2020
No Doctor or Physio came out to Test Jadeja for concussion … he then looks like his has done something to his leg … then they pull the concussion replacement .. !!!!! #RatSniffed #OnOn #AUSvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 4, 2020
