Cricket Australia to Pilot Injury-Sub Rule in Sheffield Shield Ahead of Test Debut

In the first five rounds of the Sheffield Shield tournament in the 2018 season, Cricket Australia plans to test an injured replacement rule. Additionally, the opposition will be permitted to substitute something equivalent from their end. Presenting the results to the International Cricket Council for use in Test cricket is their main goal.

This regulation allows the side to request a like-for-like replacement, such as a batter for a batter or a fast bowler for another fast bowler, if a player becomes unwell or injured after the toss, provided the match referee gives his or her consent. This is in contrast to current models, such as the one used in India, which only allow substitutes for exterior injuries received during play.

Cricket Australia Begins Sheffield Shield Trial:

Cricket Australia will trial an injury replacement rule in the first five rounds of this season's Sheffield Shield competition https://t.co/CQaTwUImLnpic.twitter.com/pLZopIFJoG

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) September 29, 2025

It will be in contrast to the BCCI's current domestic structure's "serious injury replacement substitute" provision. In recent weeks, CA has clarified the rule's specifics with the six states. For the first half of the season, they will be followed. On Saturday, October 4, the Shield is expected to begin operations. Australia's experiment is unique because of its "tactical twist." By the conclusion of the second day, if one team substitutes a player due to injury, the other team might be permitted to substitute a tactical player of the same type.

ESPNcricinfo claims that the most recent ruling's primary objective is to cover a wide range of injuries. Fit fast bowlers won't be overworked for that long a match without their buddy in the same department, thanks to the most recent modification. This has been designed to preserve a certain level of competitive equilibrium. Teams were previously permitted to substitute players for concussions as much as they wanted during the four days of a Shield match. 

The primary distinction with the BCCI regulation is that the latter has mandated that an injury be taken into consideration only if it is external (such as a deep cut or fracture). Teams in the first five rounds will provide input, which CA will consider. Additionally, there is a slim chance that this specific regulation will remain in effect for rounds six and seven.

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