Michael Vaughan bats for injury replacement rule in Tests after Kiwi pacer Ferguson suffers calf strain

The rule-makers of cricket have shown some flexibility in recent times by allowing a replacement for a player who has suffered a concussion during a Test match. Australia’s Steve Smith became the first player in Test cricket to get replaced by a substitute under this rule during the Ashes held earlier this year. But former England captain Michael Vaughan has now raised a demand for more and it is about bringing in a replacement for an injured player.

Vaughan’s thought was triggered after debutant New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson suffered a calf injury on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in Perth on Thursday. The bowler could deliver only 11 over because of that in which he conceded 47 runs but without any reward.

The 28-year-old, who is known for generating pace, underwent an MRI scanner for the assessment of his injury and it left the visitors one key bowler short. Australia took full opportunity of New Zealand’s depleted bowling attack and piled on runs. Marnus Labuschagne continued with his good form with the bat to belt 143 as the hosts cruised towards the 400-run mark on Day 2.

Michael Vaughan suggests for an independent doctor on site

Vaughan posted a tweet to suggest that Test cricket also needs an injury replacement rule where an independent medical expert will be at play. “I reckon Test cricket needs an injury replacement rule … Independent doctor on site .. He accesses the player ie like Ferguson now In Perth .. if he deems the injury to be real .. a replacement can come in .. #AUSvNZ @FoxCricket .. What do you all reckon ??” the 45-year-old said.

I reckon Test cricket needs an injury replacement rule … Independent doctor on site .. He accesses the player ie like Ferguson now In Perth .. if he deems the injury to be real .. a replacement can come in .. #AUSvNZ @FoxCricket .. What do you all reckon ??

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 13, 2019

Kane Williamson’s side is already without the service of experienced seamer Trent Boult who is down with a side injury and Ferguson’s injury will add more to the woes.

Neil Wagner, who was the most successful of the Kiwi bowlers with three wickets out of the seven that fell at the time of writing this report, sympathised with Ferguson saying he would be devastated with his injury in a memorable Test match. He said since they didn’t hear anything back on Ferguson’s fitness, it could happen that a good news is waiting.

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