Substitute Fielder Rules in Cricket Explained
When teams can use substitute fielders in cricket, what a substitute can and cannot do, and the rules around concussion substitutes.
What Is a Substitute Fielder?
A substitute fielder (or fielding substitute) is a player who temporarily replaces an injured or ill fielder in the field. A substitute can field in any position but cannot bat or bowl unless they are a concussion substitute or another approved specialist replacement under ICC regulations. The substitute wears the same team uniform and is approved by the on-field umpires.
When Can a Substitute Field?
A fielding substitute is permitted when a fielder has been injured during the match, is ill, or has left the field for any other reason that the umpires accept as legitimate. A player who leaves the field for reasons other than injury or illness (such as changing equipment, attending to non-urgent personal matters) may face restrictions on when they can return to bowl.
What a Substitute Cannot Do
A standard substitute fielder cannot bat, bowl, or act as wicketkeeper. They can only field. This means that in a situation where a team loses a batter to injury mid-innings, the injured batter must still be replaced by the next batter in the lineup — the substitute cannot bat instead.
The 12th Man
The 12th man is the designated substitute player in a Test or first-class match. They are named before the match along with the 11 players and are primarily responsible for fielding as a substitute when needed. The 12th man also carries drinks, equipment, and messages to batters during play.
Frequently asked questions
Can a substitute fielder bowl or bat?
No — a standard substitute fielder can only field. They cannot bowl, bat, or act as wicketkeeper. Only a concussion substitute or an approved replacement player under specific regulations can perform these functions.
What is a 'like-for-like' replacement in cricket?
A like-for-like replacement means the substitute player must have a similar role to the injured player. If a batter is replaced, the substitute must be a batter, not a specialist bowler. The match referee approves the replacement.
Can a substitute fielder be a different nationality?
No — substitute fielders must be from the same team's touring or registered squad. In Test cricket, the substitute must be a member of the official squad or tour party.