Batting great Sunil Gavaskar said he was surprised over the controversy regarding a concussion substitute allowed to India during their victory in the Twenty20 series opener against Australia in Sydney Friday.
India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja top-edged a Mitchell Starc bouncer into his helmet in the last over of the innings but was replaced by leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal only during the innings break.
Australia coach Justin Langer was seen remonstrating with match referee and former team mate David Boon before Australia began their chase at Manuka Oval.
Former India captain Gavaskar expressed his views to the India Today news channel.
Jadeja, however, was ruled out during the innings break, and Australia coach Justin Langer had a heated argument with match referee David Boon before the home side began its chase at Manuka Oval
Posted by Sports Tribune on Friday, 4 December 2020
Later, India captain Virat Kohli said Jadeja, who was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the series, was dizzy after the head knock.
Like-for-like concussion substitutes were introduced last year to ensure players’ safety against head injuries.
Chahal rubbed salt in Australia’s wound by claiming match-winning figure of 3/25.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir said it was a match referee’s call whether to allow the substitution.
Former Australia player Tom Moody wondered why Jadeja did not receive immediate medical attention after the head knock.