Concussion Substitute — Cricket's Player Safety Rule Explained
Concussion substitutes allow an injured player to be replaced like-for-like. Learn how the rule works, who approves it, and its most famous applications in international cricket.
The concussion substitute rule, introduced by the ICC in August 2019, allows a player diagnosed with a concussion to be replaced by a 'like-for-like' substitute for the remainder of the match. Before this rule, a concussed player simply left the match and the team played effectively short-handed. The rule brought cricket in line with other sports' growing awareness of head trauma risks.
How It Works
If a player suffers a suspected concussion (following a blow to the head), the team doctor must assess them. If concussion is confirmed, the team can nominate a replacement who must be 'like-for-like': a batter replacing a batter, a bowler replacing a bowler. The match referee approves the replacement and can reject it if the proposed substitute is not adequately like-for-like in role.
Famous Uses
The most famous concussion substitute was in the 2019 Ashes: Australia's Marnus Labuschagne replaced Steve Smith (hit on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer) in the Lord's Test. Labuschagne went on to have an outstanding series and became the world's top-ranked Test batter — an extraordinary outcome from a rule's first high-profile application.
Frequently asked questions
What is a concussion substitute in cricket?
A replacement player who comes in when an existing player is confirmed to have a concussion from a head blow. The replacement must be 'like-for-like' in cricketing role and is approved by the match referee.
Who approves a concussion substitute?
The match referee reviews the medical diagnosis and the proposed replacement player. They must approve the substitute and can reject it if the replacement is not adequately like-for-like.
Can a concussion substitute bowl if the original player was a batter?
No. The replacement must match the original player's role. If the injured player was a specialist batter, the concussion substitute cannot bowl.