Mohammad Rizwan has been named as the concussion substitute for Sarfaraz Ahmed in the ongoing second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The decision marks the first time Pakistan has utilized a concussion substitute in Test cricket, as confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The incident occurred during the afternoon session of the third day’s play when Sarfaraz faced a bouncer from Sri Lankan pacer Asitha Fernando. Sarfaraz was hit on his head while ducking a bouncer in the afternoon session on Day 3. Although the ball went for four leg byes, the impact on Sarfaraz was evident.
Following the blow, Sarfaraz underwent a mandatory concussion test in accordance with the regulations. He returned to bat and played for another five overs without any apparent issues. But a few moments later, Sarfaraz signaled the Pakistan physiotherapist, Cliffe Deacon, and gestured towards his head where he had been struck. As a precautionary measure, the wicketkeeper-batter walked off the field after a couple of minutes.
In adherence to the concussion substitution regulations, the match officials were provided with an official assessment of the concussion. Pakistan’s request for a concussion substitute was subsequently accepted by match referee David Boon.
“Sarfaraz Ahmed has been replaced by Mohammad Rizwan as a concussion substitute in the ongoing second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the Singhalese Sports Club after match referee David Boon accepted the Pakistan team management’s request for the substitution,” said PCB in a statement.
The statement also mentioned that Sarfaraz Ahmed remains under the observation of the PCB’s medical panel following the incident.
“Sarfaraz was hit on his head while ducking a bouncer by Asitha Fernando in the afternoon session on day three. He remains under the observation of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s medical panel,” the statement added.
Notably, this is the first instance of Pakistan utilizing a concussion substitute in Test cricket. Previously, they have had employed the concussion substitute rule in international cricket when Kamran Ghulam replaced Haris Sohail during the third ODI against New Zealand in January earlier this year.
