SYDNEY: New South Wales opening batsman Daniel Hughes has become the first player to be substituted during a match under Cricket Australia's new concussion protocol.
Hughes was replaced by Nick Larkin during the One-Day Cup elmination final between New South Wales and Victoria Friday after being struck on the helmet by a bouncer from test fast bowler Peter Siddle. Larkin wasn't required to face a ball as New South Wales won the rain-affected match by 31 runs.
Cricket Australia has introduced a rule in its Big Bash Twenty20 and one-day competitions this season which allow teams to replace a player who has left the field for medical assessment after being struck on the head.
New South Wales batsman Nic Maddinson — also struck on the head during the match — called the rule "a great move."
