Ace Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin advocated for the introduction of 'substitutions for muscle tears' in Test matches just like concussion substitution.
Ashwin's suggestion came against the backdrop of Australian spinner Nathan Lyon pulling his calf muscle during the Day 2 of the second Ashes test between England and Australia at the iconic Lord's Stadium.
While Lyon did not bowl or field after his injury, he was forced to come to bat at number 11 during his team's second innings when they lost their penultimate wicket for 264 runs in the 97th minute.
Despite struggling with pain, Lyon managed to face 13 balls where he scored four runs as the Aussies ended up taking a 360-run in the second innings.
In response, England lost their first four wickets for just 45 runs but captain Ben Stokes' gritty 155 helped them to cross the 300-run mark.
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Speaking on Lyon's condition, Ashwin wrote on Twitter,
Tight finish on the cards here. What a series, Ashes 2023. Food for thought: Australia could have shut this game down with Nathan Lyon doing his thing from one end, it’s probably time to look at substitutions for muscle tears just like concussion subs. A like-for-like replacement will mean an even contest, especially for a format that lasts 5 days.
Tight finish on the cards here. What a series👏👏 #Ashes2023
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 2, 2023
Food for thought:
Australia could have shut this game down with Nathan Lyon doing his thing from one end, it’s probably time to look at substitutions for muscle tears just like concussion subs.
A like for like…
What next in Ashes 2023?
Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series. The third Test will start on July 6 at Headingley, Leeds.
Follow LIVE action from Ashes second Test here
