On this day in 2005: Vikram Solanki became the first ODI Supersub

The recently concluded 16th edition of the Indian Premier League saw the introduction of the Impact Player rule, allowing players to substitute a player during the course of the match. However, this wasn’t the first provision of such nature as the International Cricket Council (ICC) also rolled out a similar rule in 2005. England’s Vikram Solanki became the first Supersub in ODI history on this very day in 2005.

ICC introduced the concept of a Super Sub ahead of England’s three-match ODI series against arch-rivals Australia in 2005. The provision allowed both teams to name a 12th man at the toss who could be subbed in the match at any point of the game. While Australia named Brad Hogg as their 12th man, England went with classy batter Vikram Solanki.

England skipper Michael Vaughan won the toss and elected to bowl first in the series opener. Although Ricky Ponting’s Australia made a solid start to the match, a phenomenal bowling spell from medium-pacer Paul Collingwood sparked doom for the visitors. While Collingwood wreaked havoc in the Aussie middle order, towering pacer Simon Jones went wicketless in his ten overs, conceding just 28 runs.

The English skipper decided to sub Jones for middle-order batter Vikram Solanki after the conclusion of the 31st over of the match, making the Indian-born cricketer the first-ever Super Sub in international cricket. Australia also made their change in the second innings as they replaced the hard-hitting Matthew Hayden with left-arm spinner Brad Hogg.

However, Solanki didn’t get a chance to showcase his batting skills as the home side made a mockery of the target set by the Aussies. Marcus Trescothick’s magnificent century laid down the foundation for a comprehensive nine-wicket victory, along with skipper Michael Vaughan’s brisk half-century.

While the Super Sub rule was a great innovation on the part of the apex council, the provision was scrapped within one year of its introduction as it was adjudged to favour the team winning the toss.