Shaheen Afridi's vicious bouncer gives set Bangladesh batter concussion, replacement named

Bangladesh made use of the concussion substitute in the ongoing first Test against Pakistan as Nurul Hasan came on to replace debutant, Yasir Ali. The 25-year-old who was making his debut for the national side was struck on the helmet in the 30th over of Bangladesh's second innings. The vicious bouncer by Shaheen Shah Afridi brought an unfortunate end to the middle-order batter's innings as he was on his way to half-century.
 

The physios rushed to Ali's aid as he was diagnosed on the pitch. Initially, the batter continued to take guard, but a couple of overs later the debutant decided to walk off. Liton Das who was partnering with Ali at the other end was joined by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.  
 

The ICC guidelines

As per International Cricket Council’s (ICC) latest guidelines a team can replace a player with a concussion substitute in case of injury. 

1.2.7 If a player sustains a concussion or suspected concussion as a result of a head or neck injury during the course of the relevant match, a Concussion Replacement may be permitted in the following circumstances:

1.2.7.2 A concussion or suspected concussion must have been formally diagnosed by the Team Medical Representative.
 

Since the concussion rule permits only like for like change, Nurul Hasan can’t be used as a wicketkeeper. At the time of retirement, Ali was batting on 36 off 72 deliveries, while Bangladesh were establishing a healthy lead against Pakistan. His replacement Hasan contributed 15 runs off 33 deliveries as the Tigers were bundled out for 157 runs.

This is the third time that Bangladesh have made use of the concussion substitute. The previous two substitutions occurred against India in November 2019 when Liton Das was replaced by Mehidy Hasan whereas Taijul Islam came on for Nayeem Hasan in the pink-ball Test at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. 

At the end of Day 4, Pakistan are on the brink of winning the first Test match with 93 more runs needed and 10 wickets in hand. However, Ali’s involvement remains in doubt for the second Test which will be played in Dhaka starting on December 4.