Replacements slated

One-day substitute plan approved

The International Cricket Council's decision to allow tactical substitution in one-day internationals has been met with some scepticism.

The 10-month trial is set to start on 30 July but the new rules may come into force earlier, for the three-match NatWest Challenge series between England and Australia next month.

The extension of fielding restrictions from 15 to 20 overs will also be introduced.

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.

BBC Sport spoke to leading figures in the game to gauge their thoughts on the changes, and fans have had their say.

THE AUTHORITIES

Angus Fraser
ICC Cricket Committee panel member speaking on Test Match Special

I think the 12th man will be used on most occasions by teams in one-dayers.

I am not concerned about substitutes infiltrating Test cricket because the ICC is making very clear the division between the two forms of the game Jonathan Agnew's view

I also think most teams will end up picking an all-rounder as their substitute.

If you do well with the bat then you have the benefit of an extra bowler. Likewise, if you are struggling with the bat then you have the option of bringing on an extra batsman.

The later a captain uses the 12th man then the better position he will be in to make a decision that will have a greater effect on his side.

THE UMPIRE

Dickie Bird
Former international umpire

Bringing on a substitute would be OK if there was a serious injury to a player, but I don't think one should be brought on if someone is playing poorly.

I think it's bringing something into the game we don't need.

I'd also leave the fielding restrictions as it is.

I just think we are tinkering too much with things. They say times have changed, but I think these changes are too much.

THE PLAYERS

Dave Houghton
Former Zimbabwe captain and Derbyshire director of cricket

I don't agree with the introduction of substitutes at all.

TMS MESSAGEBOARDS I know 50-over cricket has to keep moving with the times but for me this is one step too far into gimmickery From Angry Have your say on TMS

I believe an integral part of the game is the team selection. Do you go in with five bowlers, or four and one filler, or do you go with two spinners? And so on.

If your player is injured, then fair enough. But I don't think somebody should be brought on if a player out on the field is not doing well or if a mistake has been made with the team selection.

There is every chance to weigh up the surface and the opposition before the game.

My feeling is that the one-day game is exciting as it is.

They have tried this in South Africa before, where they used two or three players as substitutes. The system failed.

Mike Gatting
Former England captain speaking on Test Match Special

I rather like the scenario with the fielding restrictions.

As regards to substitutes, I suppose you would have to see it working first.

I'm sure it will be open to abuse somewhere down the line, but I have to say I haven't really got my head around it yet.

They normally try these things in county cricket first but it seems they're going head first into internationals.

They say it's just 12 men to choose from, but I think it should be 13 - where you can have a substitute bowler and batsman.

There's lots of variables to consider, for instance the weather, which will decide the wicket, and having to work out which player should be picked as the extra man.

THE FANS

Tiger
Test Match Special messageboards

I think this will definitely add spice to the game.

However, I do feel the substitute [should] be decided by the coach, who will have more of a manager role and also could be thinking from a different angle. Also, it should be two or three subs at least.

Good_Shot_R2D2
Test Match Special messageboards

They are in danger of ruining the sport for the sake of a gimmicks.

It survived decades in the old format much like the old English division one, but then someone went against the principle of "If it ain't broke don't fix it".