As cricket is embracing new rules and regulations, several changes have come into play. While India plays its first Day-Night Test match, with the pink cricket ball, against Bangladesh, the opponent innings that folded unceremoniously on Day One also brought out a new twist – the scores of 12 batsmen instead of 11. This is courtesy of the new concussion substitute rule implemented by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which allows for any cricketer who suffers a concussion to be replaced by another.
Liton Das was the unfortunate player in this case, as he was hit on his head by a Mohammed Shami delivery during the Bangladesh innings. The physio rushed in, conducted a test and Das continued batting, responding with a boundary in the next delivery. Das hit another boundary in the next over off Ishant and added nine runs before complaining of discomfort.
Das manfully tried to carry on but thought the better way out of it was to retire hurt. It made way for Mehidy Hasan to come in as the concussion substitute.
During India’s innings, Taijul Islam replaced Nayeem Hassan as the second concussion substitute. Nayeem was hit on the head by a Mohammed Shami bouncer in Bangladesh’s innings.
The first concussion substitute in Test cricket was Marnus Labuschagne of Australia, who replaced Steve Smith after the latter was hit on the head during the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on August 18.
Mehidy Hasan, however, did not keep wickets in Liton Das’ place, nor did veteran Mushfiqur Rahim. That role was given to Mohammad Mithun when India chose to bat.
