Michael Vaughan, on Friday, December 13, has called for the introduction of an injury replacement in the Test cricket after New Zealand was forced to play with 10 players against a dominant Australia team in ongoing Perth Test.

The Black Caps lost debutant Lockie Ferguson after the speedster tore his right calf on the Day 1 of the ongoing first Test of the three-match series against Australia.

In his maiden appearance in the five-day format, Ferguson could bowl only 11 overs before he was taken away for scans, results revealed a serious injury, meaning that the paceman isn’t fielding on Day 2 and even won’t be able to bowl again, though, he can return to bat for the Kiwis if needed in Perth.

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Well, the tourists would have to play with 10 players in the rest of the Perth Test, as there is no rule for injury replacement during play like a concussion substitute in Test matches.

Under the laws of the game, in the five-day format, the teams are allowed a concussion substitute during play, but this isn’t applied for injury cases and Vaughan feels the same rules should be brought in immediately to avoid such situations like New Zealand is going through in Perth.

Vaughan told foxsports.com.au on Friday, “You’ve got to look at what’s the best product for Test match cricket. If someone gets hit on the head... Steve Smith at Lord’s, gets a concussion, the replacement is Marnus Labuschagne... what a career he’s had since that moment. I’m not saying that’s the reason why you would have one, but why wouldn’t you look at it?”

Former England captain continued, “Have an independent doctor on site, clearly (Ferguson) has a got a rip in his calf, can’t bowl, can’t take place in the game. What’s the best thing for the Test match game? It’s to make sure it’s 11 playing 11, New Zealand now play 10 versus 11.”

Vaughan signed off by saying, “(If) a batsman breaks his hand first ball of the Test match, of course I believe the team should have a replacement. If an independent doctor assesses the player and finds the injury is a real injury.”

Noteworthy, Tim Paine and his team made a great start in the game as they piled up 357/6 in 130.4 overs with 4 wickets are at their hands in the first innings on Day 2 against the Black Caps in Perth.

(With Foxsports Inputs)