Western Province opener Joshua van Heerden has become the first like-for-like injury substitute under Cricket South Africa’s new four-day trial. He took the field against the Lions at Newlands after Edward Moore tore his left adductor while sliding on day two.
An ultrasound confirmed a sizeable tear. CSA’s chief medical officer Dr Hashendra Ramjee and cricket-operations manager Obakeng Sepeng reviewed the scan and, in line with the updated regulations, told match referee Sipho Mthembu a replacement was warranted.
“The injured player can only be replaced provided he has been ruled out of the match in its entirety,” the playing conditions note. Moore must now observe a stand-down period of seven days before returning.
The South African pilot sits alongside similar schemes in Australia’s Sheffield Shield and India’s Duleep and Ranji Trophies. All three boards will report back to the ICC, which is studying a permanent global protocol. At international level, like-for-like swaps remain confined to concussion.
Subtle differences exist. South Africa and Australia cover internal injuries such as muscle tears as well as visible fractures or dislocations; India is restricting its data collection to external injuries for now. Australia insists the switch must happen before stumps on day two and benches the injured player for 12 days.
In South Africa, external injuries may be approved on the spot by the match referee in consultation with medical staff, but internal cases need imaging before a decision is taken. Moore’s scan satisfied that requirement, so Van Heerden moved straight into the top order.
Whether the rule will be used often is unclear, yet coaches already see value. A Western Province back-room staff member said privately that the option “keeps the contest fair when luck turns against you”. For Van Heerden it means an unexpected early-season chance; for Moore it offers time to heal without his side having to battle a batter light.
