Picture Credit: Twitter/@BCBtigers
The second ODI between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka produced an action-packed first innings in Dhaka on Tuesday. After losing a few quick wickets, the home side managed to post a competitive total of 246 runs on the back of brilliant century by Mushfiqur Rahim. However, there was one moment on the field during the end of Bangladesh's innings that scared all the fans watching the game.
Saifuddin showed signs of concussion after a scary blow on helmet
The incident happened in the 47th over of the first innings with Dushmantha Chameera bowling to Mohammad Saifuddin. The fast bowler fired in a quick bouncer as the Bangladesh all-rounder tried to play a hook shot. Unfortunately, the 24-year-old was deceived by the pace of the ball and got a severe hit on the helmet. As the ball went towards cover point region, Rahim called for a quick single. Saifuddin, who was feeling the effects of the blow, was slow to react and eventually got run-out as Kusal Mendis got a direct hit at the non-striker's end.
It was revealed by BCB that Saifudding showed signs of concussion as he returned to the dressing room. With him also expected to play a major role with the ball in hand, it was decided to replace him with like-to-like replacement Taskin Ahmed (since only bowling was left) as concussion substitute. The decision was taken keeping in mind the safety of the player.
Concussion substitutes in international cricket
Taskin Ahmed joins the rare list of only a few players who have come on as concussion substitute in international cricket. While he became the first cricketer to come on as a substitute in ODI cricket, there have been a few cases in other formats of the game. It all started with Marnus Labuschagne replacing Steven Smith in a Test at Lord's in 2019. Two Indians are also part of this list with Richa Ghosh replacing Taniya Bhatia and Yuzvendra Chahal coming in place of Ravindra Jadeja in T20Is. Notably, two Bangladesh players had previously been concussed in a Test match against India with Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam replacing Liton Das and Nayeem Hasan respectively.