Teams shouldn't abuse concussion sub rule: Mark Taylor

India’s decision of bringing in Yuzvendra Chahal as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja in the second half of the match in the first T20 international against Australia at Manuka Oval on Friday has stirred a debate in the cricket fraternity. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor also gave his opinion on this controversy saying that the teams should protect the spirit of the game and should not abuse the concussion substitute rule.

In the first T20I between India and Australia, Ravindra Jadeja was hit on the helmet on the delivery by Mitchell Starc in the last over of the first innings. However, the all-rounder did not seek immediate medical attention and went on to smash 44* runs off 23 deliveries to propel India to a total of 161 in 20 overs. Also, the inclusion of Chahal in the bowling department proved to be a trump card for the visitors as he finished with the figures of 3/25 at the end of his 4 overs.

Detailing his opinion on this whole controversy, Mark Taylor asserted that the concussion rule is made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to protect the players and thus it should be used fairly by the team. However, he also clarified that he is not of the view that India misused the substitute rule in the first T20I.

The laws are there to make the game better for the player: Mark Taylor

“The concussion rules are there to protect players. If they are abused there’s a chance it will go like the runner’s rule. The reason the runners were outlawed was because it started to be abused. It’s up to the players to make sure they use the concussion sub fairly and responsibly. I’m not suggesting that didn’t happen last night,” Taylor, a former member of the ICC Cricket Committee, was quoted as saying by ‘Sydney Morning Herald’.

Mark further added that it is the responsibility of the players and coaches to protect the laws and ensure that they are used for the betterment of the game. Notably, Australia’s head coach Justin Langer had lost his cool after match-referee David Boon had approved Chahal to take the field.

“I’ve said for years I’d like to see players and coaches take more responsibility in running the game. The laws are there to protect them and make the game better for the player. Just make sure they’re used correctly, that’s all I would say,” Taylor concluded.