Cricket substitute plan approved

Twelve players could be used with 11 on the field at any one time

Tactical substitutes are to be allowed in one-day international cricket for the first time, perhaps as early as the series between England and Australia.

International Cricket Council bosses approved the plans, recommending a 10-month trial starting on 30 July.

"The on-field players must not exceed 11, but a captain can substitute a player who he feels is not doing well," said ICC committeeman Sunil Gavaskar.

Australia are thought to be keen to bring in the rules sooner if possible.

It will add more thrill to the game and at the same time will give a captain more tactics to play with Sunil Gavaskar

The England and Wales Cricket Board has so far been non-committal but will hold consultations before making a decision.

England and Australia are currently involved in the triangular NatWest Series with Bangladesh, which finishes next weekend.

But they then play the three-match NatWest Challenge, which could use the new rules, including the extension of fielding restrictions from 15 to 20 overs.

Restrictions requiring catchers in the closed ring will apply for the first 10 overs of every innings plus two additional blocks of five overs selected by the fielding captain

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"It will add more thrill to the game and at the same time will give a captain more tactics to play with," added former India batsman Gavaskar.

"For instance, if a player is batting too slowly, he can replace him but the new batsman will start afresh and the batsman who has been replaced will be considered retired on his individual score."

A meeting of International Cricket Council chief executives at Lord's also approved a technology trial during the Johnnie Walker Super Series in Australia in October.

This will allow on-field umpires to consult with the TV umpire on any aspect of any decision with the final decision remaining with the on-field umpire.

The controversial bat used by Australia captain Ricky Ponting was also discussed, and will be allowed pending further review by the ICC and law-makers the MCC.