REDLANDS Tigers player Marnus Labuschagne became test cricket's first concussion substitute during the second Ashes test on Sunday.
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The South African born batsman came into the side during the fifth day of the match as a replacement for former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the first innings.
Labuschagne took the opportunity with both hands, scoring 59 in what was also his Ashes debut to help Australia hold onto a draw and preserve their 1-0 series lead.
The concussion substitute rule was brought in just 18 days ago for the newly formed ICC World Test Championship to address ongoing concerns about player safety in the wake of the Phil Hughes tragedy.
Labuschagne went close to becoming a concussion case himself after copping the full brunt of a Jofra Archer bouncer first ball, but remained composed alongside Travis Head to help Australia through to stumps.
With Smith's health still to be assessed ahead of the third test of the series at Leeds on Thursday, Labuschagne is every chance of starting the match in the top order.
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