'We knew England must have lost' - Iceland Cricket teases Michael Vaughan over concussion sub incident

India won the fourth T20I against England by 15 runs and clinched the series 3-1 with one game to go. But the game became the centre of the debate over the concussion substitute India introduced when they came out to defend the target of 182 runs. In the last over of India's batting, Shivam Dube dealt a blow on the helmet. As India braced to commence their bowling, Ramandeep Singh was expected to come out as a substitute but Harshit Rana’s induction became a point of debate.  

Dube, who is a batting all-rounder had to be replaced by another all-rounder according to the rules. But Harshit, who goes by the profile bowler, was criticized as not a ‘like-for-like’ replacement. Subsequently, after the loss, former England skipper, Michael Vaughan cried foul over an alleged rule tweak. Iceland Cricket was quick in replying with a tongue-in-cheek remark over Vaughan’s apprehension. 

Also Read: Harshit Rana reveals mastermind behind controversial decision

“How can an out & out bowler replace a batter who bowls part-time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #INDvsENG,” Vaughan wrote on ‘X’. 

“We didn’t need to check the score. We knew England must have lost,” Iceland Cricket replied. 

Here’s Iceland Cricket’s latest post on ‘X’: 

ICC’s rule on concussion substitute on Dube-Harshit scenario 

Speaking of the rule, it also states that, when an all-rounder, Dube in this case, is substituted, the player coming in his place can fulfil duties he ought to undertake in the remainder of the game. As Dube was batted in the first innings before the mishap took place, he had the role of pace bowler for the remainder of the game. India decided to fulfil that role by bringing in Harshit as the pace bowling option. 

Also Read: 'It's not a like-for-like replacement, we don't agree with that' - Jos Buttler

Clause 1.2.7.4 of the ICC's T20I Playing Conditions states, "In assessing whether the nominated Concussion Replacement should be considered a like-for-like player, the ICC Match Referee should consider the likely role the concussed player would have played during the remainder of the match and the normal role that would be performed by the nominated Concussion Replacement."