The first T20I between India and Australia in Canberra on Friday (December 4) saw Yuzvendra Chahal replacing Ravindra Jadeja as a concussion substitute after the latter was hit on the helmet by pacer Mitchell Starc in the final over of India’s innings.
As it turned out, Chahal, who was originally not named in the playing XI, claimed 3 wickets by conceding 25 runs in his four overs to help the visitors register a convincing 11-run victory.
The incident has now sparked a huge debate in the cricket fraternity, with former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody expressing his ‘No.1 concern’ over the same.
“My issue is more related to the protocols once the player is hit on the head. This is obviously posting the tragedy of Phil Hughes, who lost his life. The protocol is very clear on this,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo.
“Once a batsman gets hit in the head, the medical team comes to the ground - to make sure the player is clear and okay to continue. And two, the helmet is okay - and more often than not, they replace the helmet. The manufacturers of the helmet cannot guarantee that there are no fractures in the helmet itself. None of that took place.”
“That is, for me, the no. 1 concern. This is not Jadeja’s fault. We don’t know this - he may have a delayed concussion. Which is absolutely possible - I have no issues with Chahal replacing him as a concussion substitute.
“Yes, they are different kinds of spinners - one’s better than the other - but on the other hand, Jadeja was selected in the side to bowl four overs. So, I have the right to replace him with a specialist spinner. I have no issues with that either.
“My issue is more around the process that was not taken at the point when Jadeja was hit in the helmet. If that was done, like the way it should have been done, we would not be sitting here and having this discussion,” he further explained.
“We would understand that he possibly had a delayed concussion - and it is a coincidence that he has a hamstring niggle as well. But we need to worry about the player,” he concluded.
Trailing 0-1 in the T20I series, Australia will look to bounce back in order to stay alive in the three-match series when they face India in the second game at SCG on Sunday (December 6).
