How Marnus Labuschagne made history as the first ever ‘Concussion Substitute’ in Test cricket?

Marnus Labuschagne replaced Steve Smith to become the first ‘concussion substitute’ in Test cricket during the second Ashes Test in August 2019.

After winning the first Test at Edgbaston by 251 runs, Australia bowled out England for 258 in the first innings of the second Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This was Smith’s first Test series after serving a 12-month ban. He was adjudged Player of the Match in the first Test and scored a vital 92 in the first innings of the second Test to help the visitors get to 250.

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However, when the legendary batter was batting on 80, he got struck on his neck by a searing Jofra Archer bouncer. Smith collapsed to the ground head-on and had the cricket fraternity worried. The team doctors and physios rushed out to the middle and assessed his condition. He walked back to the pavilion retired hurt before coming back in at the fall of Australia’s next wicket and adding another 12 runs to his individual score.

The Aussies made good use of ICC’s rule for concussion-related injuries as Marnus Labuschagne stepped in for Smith in the middle of the Test match. The concussion substitute rule allowed the former to bat and bowl, unlike normal substitutes who can only field. Labuschagne scored a brilliant 59 in the second innings to help Australia cling on to a draw in a rain-curtailed encounter at the Home of Cricket.

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Labuschagne had only played six Test matches before his appearance as a concussion substitute. He had big shoes to fill, with high stakes being involved. However, the South African-born passed the test with flying colours. Australia were in a spot of bother when Labuschagne walked out to bat at 47/3, chasing a target of 267. However, he stitched an important 85-run partnership along with Travis Head to settle the nerves. The series eventually ended with the score of 2-2 as the tourists retained the coveted urn.

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