Flashback: The first Super-sub in international cricket
The present ICC rule book has a concussion substitute rule and a number of other rules that allow a team to find appropriate replacements in case of an emergency. Back in 2005, a certain rule, named ‘Super Sub’ saw the daylight. 16 years ago on July 7, Vikram Solanki became the first-ever international cricket to become the Super Sub during an ODI against Australia at the Headingley in Leeds.
Solanki was an integral member of the Brits’ ODI team. He played 51 games for the Three Lions and scored 1,097 runs at an average and strike rate of 26.75 and 72.93. His career for England spanned seven years from 2000 to 2007. As far as the match went, the now 45-year-old Solanki came in after fast bowler Simon Jones had finished his quota of 10 overs in only 31 overs.
Vikram Solanki becomes a part of history
Jones was frugal as he conceded only 28 runs in 10 overs along with a maiden, though he couldn’t get a wicket. After the completion of the 31st over, Michael Vaughan, the then England captain, decided to use Solanki as the Super Sub. Umpire Rudi Koertzen made a “T” sign to bring in Solanki. Later on, Jones stated that the decision of the Super Sub wasn’t pre-planned.
“I think Steve Harmison‘s quite jealous that I’m the lucky one. I’ll hang around and watch the boys now!” Jones had told Sky Sports.
The Aussies, in the end, scored 219 for seven in 50 overs, but Solanki’s services weren’t required. England chased down 220 with four overs to spare courtesy of Marcus Trescothick’s unbeaten 134-ball knock of 104 with eight fours and one six.
Trescothick was also given the Player of the Match award for his masterful knock. Vaughan played an attacking 59-run knock at a strike rate of 90.76. Andrew Strauss scored 41 and was the only batter to get out. Brad Hogg picked up the only wicket for the visiting team.
The Super Sub rule, however, didn’t last too long. In 2006, the apex cricket board made a decision to scrap the rule as it benefitted the team winning the toss to quite a large extent.
