3 players who delivered game-changing performances as concussion substitute

Before going on to list the three players whose performances as concussion substitutes changed the complexion of the match to their favour, it would be apt to understand the exact set of rules mandated by the Playing Conditions of the International Cricket Council. According to the Playing Guidelines of ICC’s Men’s T20Is, rule 1.2.7 deals with concussion substitutes. As per the clause, "the ICC Match Referee should ordinarily approve a Concussion Replacement Request if the replacement is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage his/her team for the remainder of the match.”   

There have been several debates in the past when it comes to the exact definition of a like-for-like replacement. This, however, is a topic for another occasion. For the unversed, the ICC implemented the above-mentioned rule across the realm of international cricket in addition to T20 and First-Class cricket on August 1, 2019. There have been numerous instances of substitute players coming in for those diagnosed with concussion.    

Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: 3 players who can make a big impact for India in 5th T20I against England

Here are the three players who performed as concussion substitutes: 

3. Marnus Labuschagne vs England, August 2019

Australia's top-scorer in the second Test of the Ashes 2019, Steve Smith, was ruled out before play on the final day of the game. During Australia's first innings, Smith was on the receiving end of a brutal Jofra Archer bouncer. The development of him not featuring on Day 5 of the game came out as a surprise, despite initial assessments and scans done on him having cleared him to participate in the remainder of the game.    

Out came Marnus Labuschagne, the first concussion replacement in the history of international cricket. Archer, who was firing thunderbolts from one end, did not even spare Labuschagne. He was hit flush on the grille on the first legal delivery he faced. However, he ended up fine and negated the barrage with considerable ease as time passed by. His 59-run knockoff 100 deliveries turned out to be pivotal in saving the game for the visitors.