Former England captain Nasser Hussain has played down the idea of including injury substitutes in Test cricket after the five-match series between England and India. The injury substitutes became a hot topic of discussion in the Anderson-Tendulkar trophy after Rishabh Pant and Chris Woakes suffered serious injuries in the fourth and fifth Test match, respectively.
While Pant suffered a fractured toe in the first innings of the Old Trafford Test when he was struck on his right foot, Woakes dislocated his left shoulder while fielding at the Kennington Oval.
Hussain said the teams can manipulate the injury substitute rule to their advantage if it is introduced in the game.
Nasser Hussain said on Sky Sports podcast, “I said that view after the Rishabh Pant injury. I know Michael Vaughan sees it differently, he’s been talking about having a substitute in the second innings of a game. The moment you bring any change in playing conditions, people will use it, manipulate it to their benefit really. I quite liked the drama of Rishabh Pant hobbling down the stairs at Old Trafford and Chris Woakes doing the same. It’s unfortunate obviously but it can be manipulated in general.”
During the series, England captain Ben Stokes had also downvoted the idea of introducing an injury substitute.
“Cricket doesn’t have an injury substitute, which became a bit of a topic in the series because of Woakes and Pant. But I’m with Stokes. I’m not one for subs and I think it will be a rule which will be easily abused when came in.”
Meanwhile, the series between India and England ended in 2-2 after the former won the final Test by six runs. Many experts compared it with the 2005 Ashes series but former England skipper Michael Atherton said the quality of cricket in the 2005 Ashes was superior as compared to the 2025 series between India and England.
“It was nice to work with a good broadcaster in 2005, unlike you Nass, sitting beside me (laughs). I don’t think the quality was as good as 2005. I don’t think I’ve seen a better series than the 2005 Ashes. One great team on the decline and emerging players at the top of their game. Probably the best since 2005 Ashes. The 2023 Ashes was a fantastic series. Probably put this the best since the 2005 Ashes due to the dramatic moments due to Woakes and Pant. How it twisted and turned. The best I’ve covered since 2005.”
England will next host South Africa for three ODIs and as many T20Is.
