Can a batter have a runner in Test cricket?
Rules on substitute fielders
In the instance where a player comes off the field while fielding, they are allowed to be replaced by a substitute in the instance of injury, illness or another reason accepted by the umpires.However, this substitute is not permanent and only covers some or all of the innings in which that team is fielding.Substitute fielders are allowed to be the team's designated wicketkeeper but are not allowed to bowl or carry out captaincy duties.Should a player have a non-concussion related injury, they must either bat through the injury or not bat at all, reducing their team to 10 batters.
Should substitutes be allowed in Test cricket?
On the evening of the first day of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, India wicketkeeper and vice-captain Rishabh Pant was forced off the field on the back of a buggy after sustaining an injury to his right foot.Pant initially retired but returned to bat on day two despite struggling to even walk down the stairs of the Old Trafford pavilion.Former England captains Michael Vaughan and Sir Alastair Cook debated the topic following the incident."I don't like that we've got four days left of action [as part of] an incredible series where we're going to have 10 v 11," said Vaughan."Once they brought in concussion subs, I was crying out saying let's just bring in substitutes in the first innings of a game. That would be my stepping point."Cook added: "I'm not sure I agree, I'm not sure what I think."We've just Pant walk off, he looks in all kinds of pain and [his foot] is not broken. Nothing on the x-ray is broken, it is just a bruise."If it's a broken foot, it's different thing but if you just get hit and it's a bruise, it's only a bruise. It is discomfort and you can't hold a bat as well as you would like, but it is just a bruise."This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. This question comes from David in Croydon. Thanks, David!
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