ICC to consider use of 'concussion substitutes'

The International Cricket Council is set to consider allowing 'concussion substitutes' in first-class cricket in the wake of the Curtain Review into the death of Phillip Hughes.

Cricket Australia's independent review into Hughes's death, undertaken by President of the Australian Bar Association and former Chairman of the Victorian Bar Council David Curtain QC, did not make a formal recommendation on the use of substitutes, however CA will take up the matter with the ICC.

ICC approval is needed for matches to retain first-class status with the use of substitutes. No such approval is required for domestic 50-over (List A) matches and Twenty20 competitions and a separate CA committee is to consider implementing substitutes.

Quick Single: Full details of Curtain Report findings

Mr Curtain's recommendations include that the highest standard of helmets become mandatory for batsmen facing fast and medium pace bowling, for wicketkeepers standing up to the stumps and for fielders positioned close to the batter (except slips fielders).

Mr Curtain described the 'Concussion and Head Injury Policy' introduced by CA as "sensible and commendable" although he noted that a change to the laws of cricket relating to the use of substitute players might help to further safeguard players who have suffered a blow to the head.

Under the CA policy, team medical staff wield sole discretion as to whether any Australia player at national, state or elite pathway level who has been struck in the head can continue to take part in the game, with return to the field ruled out on the day the injury is sustained if concussion is diagnosed.

"Of concern to some is the fact that players who have been struck on the head and have suffered some symptoms (of concussion) may not admit to this as they would not want to prejudice the team by leaving it effectively a man short in batting and/or bowling," Mr Curtain says.

"In some quarters, there is agitation for the rules to be changed to accommodate a substitute who can bat and/or bowl, in contrast with the existing rules.

"As my terms of reference do not extend to matters involving the rules of the game, I have no suggestions to make in this regard, but merely draw it to Cricket Australia's attention that this may be a matter requiring ongoing consideration."

In response, Cricket Australia chief executive officer James Sutherland said CA was exploring the possibility of allowing a 'concussion substitute' to be permitted during domestic matches, although such a change to playing conditions in international fixtures was the domain of the International Cricket Council.

"It is understood that the ICC Cricket Committee will consider this and related issues at their next meeting on 31 May," Mr Sutherland said.

"ICC approval of the introduction of substitutes is required in order for four-day matches to retain their first class status.

"The Cricket Australia Playing Conditions Advisory Committee will also consider recommendations relating to concussion substitutes in all other domestic cricket competitions under CA's auspices."

Asked by CA to examine their current guidelines for screening contracted players, particularly those with specific vulnerabilities, Mr Curtain found that medical screening is not an efficient means by which susceptibility to risks such as cardiac or head injuries can be diagnosed.

"I have come to the view that it is not appropriate that screening of contracted players be undertaken," he says.

But he recommended that, should Cricket Australia's medical representatives become aware that a player has heightened vulnerability that might place them at risk of serious injury, it should be agreed (in discussion with the player concerned) that they stop playing in order to minimise that risk.

"In the event that the player does not agree not to play, in my opinion the medical practitioner should advise Cricket Australia that the player should not continue to play, for unspecified medical reasons," Mr Curtain says.

"The medical practitioner would thus respect the medical privilege of the player but also discharge his or her obligations to Cricket Australia to report on any impediment to the cricket continuing to play."

Cricket Australia has already indicated it will co-operate fully with the coronial inquest into Phillip Hughes' death that is expected to be held in Sydney in October this year.

"We have had ongoing open dialogue with the New South Wales Crown Solicitor and have indicated that we will be as co-operative as possible with any coronial inquest," Mr Sutherland said.

"Never again do we want to see a tragedy of that nature happen on a cricket field and we have shared the findings of this review with the coroner."

The full review can be downloaded here.