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The Kanpur Test will reach its decisive stage on Day 5 as New Zealand have a mammoth target to chase at Green Park. While the excitement around the game is peaking, the Indian wicketkeepers have been under the focus. Srikar Bharat who is yet to make his Test debut once again donned the gloves in New Zealand’s second innings as Wriddhiman Saha left the field despite staying unbeaten on the same day. Even though Saha walked off the field with stiffness in his neck, there have been talk around whether umpires should have allowed the swap for the second time.
What does the rulebook say?
According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rule 24.1.2 states, ‘A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires.’
As per the rules, India are well within their rights if the on-field umpires in the ongoing Test did not object to Bharat taking the gloves from Saha again despite not being part of the playing XI. Earlier in the day Saha played a crucial role in setting up a big target for the visitors. The veteran scored a half-century in Test cricket after a long gap of four years. Batting at no.8, he remained unbeaten for 61 and helped India set a target of 284 for Kane Williamson-led side.
Not the first time in India
However, this is not the first time India have replaced an injured wicketkeeper with one who is not a part of the playing eleven. In 2018, Dinesh Karthik replaced Parthiv Patel has the latter injured his index finger. Similarly, in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 edition, Aditya Tare replaced Ishan Kishan as the latter was injured by a vicious throw by Krunal Pandya. Kishan was hit on the face and had to leave the field immediately.
When did the rule come into play?
The rule was introduced in April 2017. It came into play after a controversial Sheffield Shield decision when Victoria were denied a replacement player for wicketkeeper Sam Harper. The Victorian wicketkeeper was concussed by South Australia batter Jake Lehmann in follow-through despite wearing a helmet while standing up to spinner Jon Holland. Victoria requested for a substitute for the injured wicketkeeper but were denied by Cricket Australia's head of cricket operations Sean Carry. The reason behind Carry's reluctance to provide a replacement was that in doing so the game will be stripped of its First-Class status.
