Did ref Boon do right by allowing a substitute?

Canberra, December 4

Australia coach Justin Langer seemed unhappy with the decision by match referee David Boon to allow a concussion substitute for Ravindra Jadeja.

Before Jadeja was hit by a Mitchell Starc bouncer in the final over of India’s innings, he was seen limping while running between the wickets. Yuzvendra Chahal was allowed as a substitute for Jadeja, and his 3/25 in four overs played a massive role in India’s win.

“Ravindra Jadeja was hit on the helmet in the final over of the first innings of the first T20I. Yuzvendra Chahal will take the field in the 2nd innings as a concussion substitute. Jadeja is currently being assessed by the BCCI Medical Team,” a BCCI statement later said.

“There were no plans of having Yuzi (Chahal) in the game. Jaddu (Jadeja) got a knock on the side of the head and was a bit dizzy and still is,” Indian captain Virat Kohli said. “Concussion replacements are a strange thing, today it worked for us maybe another time he wouldn’t have found a like-for-like.”

Australian captain Aaron Finch did not dwell on the issue. “Their doctor had ruled Jadeja out due to concussion. You can’t be challenging a medical expert’s opinion,” Finch said after the match.

Moises Henriques, though, was a bit more forthcoming on the frustration felt by Australia. “A decision was taken that there was a concussion and we are fine with that. But was there a like for like replacement? Jadeja was more of an all-rounder, and he had done his batting. Chahal is a bowler,” he said.

After being hit on the helmet, Jadeja seemed fine and walked back to the dressing room. “I have no issue with Jadeja being substitute (sic) with Chahal. But I do have an issue with a doctor and physio not being present after Jadeja was struck on the helmet which I believe is protocol now,” said former Australia cricketer Tom Moody. — TNS, agencies