Western Province batsman Joshua van Heerden makes history under cricket`s new experimental injury replacement rule.
Western Province batsman Joshua van Heerden has made history as the first player to be replaced on the field under cricket`s new experimental injury substitute rule. He stepped in for Edward Moore during a four-day provincial match against the Lions at Newlands, part of the CSA`s first-class competition. Moore sustained a torn left adductor muscle while fielding on the second day.
This pilot program, which is also being implemented in Australia`s Sheffield Shield and India`s Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy, is part of an ICC initiative. Its aim is to find a solution for teams that lose players due to serious injuries sustained during a match.
Similar to Australia, South Africa`s trial considers both internal and external injuries (India is currently focusing only on external injuries). A strict protocol governs when a player can be replaced. For internal injuries, like Moore`s muscle tear, the player must undergo an Ultrasound or MRI scan. The results are then reviewed by CSA`s chief medical officer, Dr. Hashendra Ramjee, and CSA`s cricket operations manager, Obakeng Sepeng. They determine if the injury is severe enough for a replacement, after which they contact the match referee for confirmation. For external injuries, such as a visible dislocation or broken bone, the match referee can decide on a substitute in consultation with Dr. Ramjee and Sepeng.
A player can only be replaced if they are ruled out of the entire match. They are then subject to a `seven-day stand-down period` as per CSA`s updated playing conditions before being eligible to return. In Australia, substitutions are permitted only until stumps on the second day, and the injured player faces a mandatory 12-day non-playing period. Like Australia and India, South Africa is currently trialling this system exclusively in multi-day cricket.
The variations in protocols reflect how different countries are choosing to test the system. All participating nations will report their findings to the ICC, which could then establish unified regulations for like-for-like substitutions in international cricket. Presently, international cricket only permits substitutions for concussions.
