The use of substitutes in cricket is very different from the use of substitutes in other team sports like football and hockey. In cricket, a substitute is allowed if a player in the squad is hurt or ill. However, these substitutes are not allowed to bat or bowl. An exception to this rule is the concussion substitute, allowed to bat, bowl and field. Over the years, there have been some crucial substitutes who have had a significant impact on the game. Here is a list of 10 players who came as substitutes to change the game.
1. Marnus Labuschagne
In the second Ashes Test against England, Marnus Labuschagne was brought in as a concussion substitute for Steve Smith. Labuschagne was a valuable addition to the Australian team, making significant contributions with the bat. His runs played a pivotal role in Australia’s ability to hold on for a draw in the match, ensuring they retained their lead in the series. Labuschagne’s performance as Smith’s replacement was crucial in helping Australia maintain its strong position in the Ashes series.
2. Ollie Pope
Coming on as a substitute for Jos Buttler, who injured his finger, Pope took the gloves in the second innings. He took a total of four crucial catches, three of which made the Australian top order, with the fourth being his Australian counterpart. His tally of four is the joint highest by a substitute fielder in test cricket.
3. Gary Pratt
Pratt came on as a substitute fielder in the fourth test of the 2005 Ashes. With Ponting looking set at the crease and looking on course for a big score, Pratt’s crucial piece of fielding got him out. Pointing hit a shot straight at Pratt, fielding at fine leg, who showed excellent agility to run him out at the non-striker’s end. The wicket shifted the momentum in England’s favour, who eventually won the match.
4. Yuzvendra Chahal
In a T20I match against Australia, Yuzvendra Chahal was called upon as a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja, who had suffered an injury. Chahal’s presence as a replacement proved to be a game-changer in this high-stakes encounter. He made a substantial impact by taking three crucial wickets during the match. Chahal’s exceptional bowling performance played a pivotal role in India’s victory in the game. His contributions with the ball not only filled the gap left by Jadeja but also directly influenced the match’s outcome.
5. Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja is an excellent all-rounder and a valuable asset for India. During the 2019 World Cup, he showcased his fielding prowess with a remarkable catch that ended the aggressive batting of Jason Roy. Roy had hit a shot down the ground off Kuldeep Yadav, and while the ball wasn’t hit with excessive force, it seemed like it would safely land. However, Jadeja, stationed at long-on, made a spectacular diving effort, swooping down to take an outstanding catch. He also caught Stokes, who was looking dangerous, thus giving India a fighting chance in the game.
6. Dane Vilas
Australia, batting first, was facing a challenging moment at 16 for 4. At that point, with Ferguson’s score at just two runs, he played a defensive shot to a short delivery from Kyle Abbott, sending the ball behind point. Dane Vilas retrieved the ball swiftly, and made an accurate throw to the striker’s end, catching Ferguson out of his crease as he attempted to complete a risky second run.
7. Peter Handscomb
Nathan Lyon struck a crucial blow when his delivery caught the edge of Malan’s bat and the ball looped towards the empty point area. With incredible agility and lightning-fast reflexes, Handscomb dashed in from his fielding position and dove to grab the catch midair. In addition to ending Malan’s noteworthy innings, this outstanding feat of fielding gave Australia the much-needed breakthrough in the game.
8. Virender Sehwag
Coming on to field, Sehwag took four catches in the match which is the joint-most by a substitute fielder in tests. Three of the four catches were of batters who looked well-set. His contribution in the field helped the bowlers to restrict Zimbabwe cheaply, thereby resulting in an innings victory for India.
9. Daryl Mitchell
With Martin Guptill stepping off the field, Mitchell became his substitute. The first catch he took was that of Haider Ali. It was a spectacular one-hand grab. Mitchell went to take the catches of number three and four batter, thereby making sure that New Zealand was giving their 100 percent in the field.
10. Younis Khan
With Pakistan having a massive first innings score, they needed a good bowling effort to hand an innings defeat to Bangladesh. The bowlers delivered backed by their fielders, one of whom, Younis Khan, took joint-most four catches in the innings. Three of the four were regular batters who could have been dangerous. His effort ensured that Pakistan won the match by an innings and 264 runs.
