Summary
If a player suffers a concussion during a match, they can be replaced by a like-for-like substitute who can bat, bowl, and field.
Full Explanation
The concussion substitute rule was introduced by the ICC in August 2019 following years of concern about player safety after head injuries.
If a player suffers a suspected concussion during a match, the team doctor assesses them. If a concussion is confirmed, the match referee approves a like-for-like replacement. The substitute can perform all duties — batting, bowling, fielding, and wicketkeeping.
The "like-for-like" requirement is assessed by the match referee, who determines whether the substitute is a comparable player to the one being replaced. This is meant to prevent teams from exploiting the rule for tactical advantage.
The rule was immediately controversial when first used. In the 2019 Ashes, Steve Smith was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer and replaced by Marnus Labuschagne — who went on to score a crucial half-century. Critics questioned whether Labuschagne was truly a "like-for-like" replacement.
Key Points
- •Player can be replaced if they suffer a concussion during a match
- •Substitute must be like-for-like — assessed by match referee
- •Substitute can bat, bowl, field, and keep wicket
- •Replaced player takes no further part in the match
- •Introduced after concerns about player safety from head injuries
Notable Controversies
- •Marnus Labuschagne replacing Steve Smith, Ashes 2019 — was it truly like-for-like?
- •Debate about teams potentially exploiting the rule tactically
- •Questions about what constitutes 'like-for-like' when roles don't match perfectly