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England’s captain Jos Buttler expressed his dissatisfaction with India’s decision to use pace bowler Harshit Rana as a concussion substitute during the fourth T20 international match in Pune, which India won by 15 runs. Buttler described the switch as “not a like-for-like replacement.”
Shivam Dube, an all-rounder who had only bowled a total of three overs in the previous three IPL seasons, scored 53 runs off 34 balls for India before leaving the field due to a concussion sustained while batting. In his absence, Harshit Rana made a notable entry into the match, taking three wickets on his T20I debut.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) stipulates that a concussion substitute must be a player of similar ability, ensuring their inclusion does not provide an excessive advantage to the team. Buttler voiced concerns over this rule in his post-match remarks.
ICC’s Concussion Replacement Guidance
“A concussion substitute should be approved if it is a like-for-like player whose inclusion will not excessively advantage their team for the remainder of the match.”
Buttler addressed the situation during the post-match press conference, saying: “We disagree with the decision. It’s not a like-for-like replacement. Either Shivam Dube has increased his bowling speed significantly, or Harshit has drastically improved his batting skills.” He noted that Ramandeep Singh was a more appropriate substitution option, which added to his confusion regarding the decision to allow Harshit into the game. “We did not have any consultation about it. When I came out to bat, I was surprised to learn he was the concussion substitute,” Buttler continued.
Despite the controversy surrounding the substitution, Buttler acknowledged that England was in a favorable position to win the match. England seemed to be on track for victory at various stages, having initially restricted India to 12-3 and later to 79-5. Dube and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a partnership that took the total to a challenging 182.
England started their innings strongly, reaching 50 without losing a wicket in just five overs, with Harry Brook scoring a rapid half-century. However, they eventually faltered, collapsing to 166 all out. Buttler reflected on this, stating, “We began well and were in a good position at times, but it is disappointing we could not clinch the win. We need to reinforce our commitment to our playing style; I believe we have more potential that we can tap into.”
Cook Comments on the Substitution Issue
Former England captain Cook commented on the impact of the substitution during a broadcast with TNT Sports, saying, “The change had a significant influence on the game’s outcome. Replacing a powerful batting all-rounder who had minimal bowling experience with a bowler lacks logic.” He emphasized that despite this controversy, England should have sealed the match with their performance. Cook criticized England’s shot selection and questioned whether players were too focused on individual ego instead of the match situation.
He added, “While the concussion substitute decision was questionable, England missed opportunities to secure the win. I found their shot selection to be detrimental. They need to focus on playing the situation rather than showcasing individual prowess.” Cook, particularly critical of Harry Brook’s dismissal after a quick-fire innings, argued that patience and strategic play would have better served England in the closing overs.
Upcoming Fixtures for England in India
All times UK and Ireland
First T20: Wednesday January 22 – Eden Gardens, Kolkata – India won by seven wickets
Second T20: Saturday January 25 – MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – India won by two wickets
Third T20: Tuesday January 28 – Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot – England won by 26 runs
Fourth T20: Friday January 31 – Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune – India won by 15 runs
Fifth T20: Sunday February 2 (1.30pm) – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
First ODI: Thursday February 6 (8am) – Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
Second ODI: Sunday February 9 (8am) – Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
Third ODI: Wednesday February 12 (8am) – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Source
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