Australian all-rounder Moises Henriques raised a question mark whether Yuzvendra Chahal is an exact "like-for-like" replacement of Ravindra Jadeja after the former delivered a fine spell of leg-spin bowling to help India achieve victory by 11 runs in the first T20I on Friday (December 4).
Struck by a bouncer from Mitchell Starc while batting, Jadeja was replaced by Chahal as a concussion substitute. Chahal then bagged figures of 3/25 as visitors restrict the hosts to 150/7 defending their score of 161/7.
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"There was no doubt that Jadeja was hit on the helmet and there could have been a concussion. A decision was taken that there was a concussion and a replacement was made. We are not doubting that," Henriques said at the post-match conference, as quoted by PTI.
"But was it a like-for-like replacement? That is the question. Jadeja was more of an all-rounder and he had done his batting. Chahal is a (pure) bowler," he added.
The Australians were angst as the Indians got Jadeja to blaze his willow for a fighting knock of 44 not out in first half and then Chahal's smarts as a leggie in the second.
"ICC's rule is fine, sure there should be (concussion) replacement. We are not talking about the decision to make the replacement," Henriques cleared. "Only thing we are saying is there should be a like-for-like replacement. That is the way to do going ahead, I think."
"I don't know how the decision (to make replacement) was arrived, I am not involved in those things. There are doctors to do that and it's not our job to take those decisions," he added.
While the matter has gained controversial proportions, match referee David Boon only applied the existing definition of the law in replacing Jadeja with Chahal for the bowling innings.
As per rule 1.2.8.1 of ICC concussion protocols. "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."
Given Jadeja was due to bowl in the chase, India had every right as per laws to claim a concussion replacement and ask for Chahal to come in.
Henriques, meanwhile, also spoke about his personal performance after delivering a spell of 3/22 and making a fine 20-ball 30 during the chase.
"Selected or not, I can't do anything, that is not in my hands," said the comeback man. "What I can do is to be positive in attitude, keep performing in domestic and international cricket and make use of the opportunities that come to your best ability."
"In the Australian team, 8-9 players will get picked first and then a couple of players will get there. So whenever I get a chance, I try to make the most of that opportunity," he added.
