Former England captain Mike Atherton believes that the International Cricket Council will need to allow more substitutes for bio-secure matches. The governing body is already contemplating to include Covid-19 substitutes for the three-match Test series between England and the West Indies. The ICC plans to host all the matches in a bio-secure environment in the Covid-19 era.
However, there can be a loophole in the bio-secure matches if there is an injury to a player and thus he needs to go to the hospital for his treatment. In such a case, the injured player will break the bio bubble and if he makes the comeback into the same Test match, then things can go haywire.
Mike Atherton makes a good point
Consequently, Mike Atherton believes that the ICC should give green light to more ‘like for like’ substitute in the Covid-19 era. There is already a concussion substitute in place for the Test matches.
“What, for example, happens if a batsman breaks a finger and he”s got to go to the hospital for an X-ray? He”s got to leave the bubble and then come back, and if there”s a delay on testing or the results. I think you’ll see one or two compromises,” Atherton told Shaun Pollock and host Neil Manthorp in the ”Following On Cricket Podcast”.
Mike Atherton feels that there should be a substitute for other injuries apart from the concussion and thus the ICC will be able to maintain the bio-secure environment.
“If you remember, Marnus Labuschagne became the first concussion substitute for Steve Smith last year, and what will probably happen, as just a short-term measure, is if there”s an injury that’ll require someone to go to the hospital, they’ll probably allow a substitute for that, whether it”s a broken finger or a torn hamstring or whatever.”
Meanwhile, Cricket West Indies have announced the list of 14 players for the tour of England. CWI has also revealed the list of eleven reserved players for the tour, which will help in play the substitute role. The first Test between England and West Indies will take place at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton from July 8.