12 Batsmen Batted In Same Innings Of India vs West Indies 2nd Test, Here's Why

India beat West Indies by 257 runs to win the second Test and clinch the series 2-0 in Jamaica on Monday. Needing 468 to win, West Indies were all out for just 210 runs in their second innings. This was not surprising as West Indies batsmen have failed to apply themselves in the whole series. However, the surprising fact was that there were 12 batsmen who batted for the home side in this innings. 

There are 12 batsmen on the scorecard for West Indies in their second innings. They had to name Jermaine Blackwood as a concussion substitute for Darren Bravo after the latter retired hurt with a blow to the head on Monday. The substitution was made under the new rule where teams can use a new batsmen if someone suffers a concussion. This was the second time the rule was applied in international cricket.

Concussion Substitute Rule

The rule was applied during the second Test match of the Ashes series as well when Steve Smith was struck by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the first innings. However, Smith returned back and completed his innings. He was later ruled out of the match after feeling delayed effects of the blow. Marnus Labuschagne was named the substitue and batted in the second innings for Australia.

However, during the match in Jamaica, Bravo could not complete his innings after being hit by a short delivery from Jasprit Bumrah. He was hit on head in the final over on Sunday but batted on and saw out the last two balls. He returned on day four but lasted only three overs before deciding to retire hurt. 

Blackwood was named as the concussion substitute. He played a defiant knock of 38 runs before getting dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah. He stitched a partnership of 61 runs with Sharmarh Brooks (50) to delay India's win in the pre-lunch session.

This was the first time when 12 batsmen batted for a team in the same innings in international cricket.