ICC World Test Champioship: Looking back at the performances of the so far concussion substitutes

During the second Test of the recently-concluded Ashes, Steve Smith was struck on the neck by a rising bouncer from Jofra Archer. Though he batted once again in the first innings, Smith was declared injured for the second and cricket's first concussion substitute was used.

Concussion substitutes are replacements for players who are no longer fit to continue due to a concussion, of course. The law was passed by the ICC in July 2019 and came into effect in August. And only two weeks in, it had come into play.

Marnus Labuschagne became the first concussion substitute in history as he replaced Smith. Jermaine Blackwood and Theunis de Bruyn followed for West Indies and South Africa, respectively.

We look at the performances of these substitutes and how their contribution affected the result of the game.

#1 Marnus Labuschagne

Marnus fought like a true warrior in some difficult conditions

Marnus Labuschagne came into the match after a vicious bouncer from Jofra Archer hit Steve Smith. While Smith was not knocked out by the blow, the medical team ruled him out of the Test.

This was a piece of unpleasant news to the Aussies as Smith was way ahead and better than all other batsmen in their line up. The hosts were placed in a commanding position and had to get the Aussies all out within 50 overs. That was not a too strenuous task considering their adversary without the protection of their greatest batsmen.

As presumed, they lost their openers early and still had 45 overs more to survive against the moving ball. That is when Marnus Labuschane stepped in and showed the grit which was the most required then. He led Australia's defenses, despite being felled by a sickening blow to the helmet from Archer early in his innings, and made a case for his permanent inclusion with a gritty half-century. His endeavour did not go in vain as Australia earned a much-needed draw they were after.

This is what had happened when cricket saw its first-ever concussion substitute turning out to be a great aid.

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#2 Jermaine Blackwood

Blackwood was patient and determined and played a very composed knock

Jermaine Blackwood became the second concussion substitute after Marnus Labuschagne, after Darren Bravo was struck on the head by a ferocious bouncer from India's spearhead; Jasprit Bumrah. This event took place in the second Test of the Indian tour of West Indies.

Blackwood was announced as the substitute for Bravo, but it took a bit while for Bravo to realize that he shouldn't continue. It was then when Blackwood entered the field and played a mature knock in a laborious phase.

Though West Indies lost the match, Blackwood's 38 of 72 balls playing on a day 5 pitch against the Indian seamers, was greatly appreciated.

Blackwood's knock came off in a pressure situation; as he was playing his first innings of the series when his team was in some hot water. Though Blackwood did not bring much change in the result of the match, he should enough courage and responsibility as a player. He ensured the team that he was the one who could be trusted upon with the rest of the World Test Championship to come.

#3 Theunis de Bruyn

Theunis was the highest run-scorer for South Africa

Theunis de Bruyn became the latest added to the list of concussion substitutes some days before after Dean Elgar was hit by a short ball that kicked up to his helmet's grill. This was a bit the same case as Steve Smith's one as Elgar had been their best batsmen of the series. Though South Africa was never winning the Test, they at least wanted someone to hang a bit out in the middle.

It was de Bruyn who came out and frustrated India as he led South Africa's defences and made the play go into day 3, which could have been easily over on day 2. De Bruyn, who was dropped from the squad after playing two matches made a strong comeback and was the highest scorer for South Africa in the last innings of the series.

Though his 34 run knock couldn't bring a change in the result of the match as India completely dominated South Africa throughout the series; the quite same case against the West Indies, there was not even slightest chance for de Bruyn to comeover the follow on and post a decent total against the hosts.

One is always in pressure when he has to face lethal Indian bowlers at their den but Thenis was resolute to do better this time and at least make a mark for himself.