Delhi: South African young player Joshua Van Herdon has become the first cricketer to land as a replacement player under the Injury Substitute Trial of the International Cricket Council (ICC). This historical event took place during the Domestic First Class tournament of Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Herdon replaced Edward Moore in the match against Lions, playing for Western Province. While fielding on the second day of the match, Moore suffered an injury to the muscles of the left leg, due to which he could not play further.

ICC started the Injury Replacement Trial

The ICC has recently started a trial of the new system of injury replacement, under which it has asked all member countries to try it in domestic cricket. As part of this initiative, India has started the Dalip Trophy and Ranji Trophy, Australia, Sheffield Shield, and South Africa in its first class tournament.

Why the need for a trial

This decision was taken after a five -Test series between India and England. Many occasions came in this series when the players could not get replacement despite serious injuries. For example, Rishabh Pant had to bat despite fracture in the leg, while Chris Vax continued to play even after landing.

What are the rules in international cricket right now

At the moment, replacement player is allowed only in international cricket in the event of a head injury. There was no official rule for any other type of injury, whether external or internal, till now.

Strict rules made under trial

Following the ICC directive, Australia and South Africa have implemented the Injury Replacement Trial. Strict medical protocols have been built in it, so that there is no misuse or partiality.

Indeed, Edward Moore was sent for a scan in the event of internal injury. After reviewing the report, CSA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hashendra Ramji and cricket operations manager Obaceng Sepeng discussed with the match referee and took approval for the replacement. This is the rule for this.

At the same time, in the event of external injury, such as bone breaking or dislocation, the match referee can take a decision immediately after consulting the medical team. According to the rule, only the player will be eligible for replacement, who is completely out of the match and does not play for at least seven days.

Different rules of other countries

Australia has decided in its trial that replacement can only be given till the second day’s game, and the injured player will have to rest at least 12 days. At the same time, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has limited this facility only to external injuries. In the three countries, this trial has been implemented only in multi-day (more than one day) matches.